Star Magnolia

The incredibly beautiful deciduous magnolias are beginning to bloom and one of the very first is the Star Magnolia (Magnolia stellata).

Unlike the evergreen magnolias, which have white flowers, the deciduous magnolias have flowers that come in an array of colors, ranging from yellows to pinks.

Star Magnolia has small fragrant white flowers composed of many petals that have a star-like appearance. The flowers are followed by medium-green leaves. It is a small tree, generally reaching 10-15 feet, and is a good choice for areas where space is limited, such as a patio. It is multi-branched with a dense oval habit and performs well in full sun to partial shade. It also performs well in heavy soil, such as clay, but will do best in a rich loam. Adding compost or our 3-way mix will help enrich your soil. Applying mulch once or twice per year will also improve soil quality.

Since the Star Magnolia blooms so early, a late frost can damage the flowers. However, in the years when this doesn’t happen, you will be rewarded with a truly magnificent tree.