Great Design Tree: Star Magnolia
Winter-blooming magnolia is a stellar plant for all seasons
Annie Thornton
February 13, 2012
Houzz Editorial Staff
Foliage and form anchor a plant in the landscape and give it a sense of space. Often it's the flowers that elevate and accent a plant and make it genuinely unforgettable. With all three parts in place, star magnolia (Magnolia stellata) is a tree for all seasons. Whether its snowy white blooms entice you in winter, or sprawling gray limbs and densely-packed leaves grab you in summer, the dynamic transitions of star magnolia keeps eyes and gardens inspired year-round.
Browse landscape designs | More great design plants
Browse landscape designs | More great design plants
Botanical name: Magnolia stellata
Common name: Star magnolia
USDA zones: 4-8
Water requirement: Regular
Sun requirement: Full sun
Mature size: 10-15’ tall x 20’ spread
Environmental benefits: Provides food and shelter for wildlife
Common name: Star magnolia
USDA zones: 4-8
Water requirement: Regular
Sun requirement: Full sun
Mature size: 10-15’ tall x 20’ spread
Environmental benefits: Provides food and shelter for wildlife
Distinguishing traits. A beautiful tree year-round, the winter-borne white flowers of star magnolia are what distinguishes this deciduous tree. In late winter, slightly fragrant 3-inch white and pink-tinged blossoms abound even before the tree leafs out for spring. An outburst of flowers decorates the otherwise barren structure and allows you to appreciate the tree's beautiful structure and gray bark.
In summer, after the flowers have faded, small elliptic leaves emerge. They deepen in color as the season progresses, eventually reaching a subtle seasonal gold before dropping.
Slow-growing and shrubby, star magnolia’s multi-stemmed structure is oval and upright in youth. As the tree matures, it transitions to an elegantly sculptural and spreading form.
How to use it. Star magnolia can be an attractive landscape feature to enjoy from indoors as well as out. Frame a view of star magnolia out your kitchen window or living room.
You can use star magnolia as a specimen tree in settings where space may be limited, such as patios and urban gardens.
Keep it growing. Star magnolia is an adaptable, easy-to-grow tree that is commonly available. Blooming before many other magnolia species, star magnolia makes a dramatic impact in any winter garden.
Magnolia scale is the most common affliction of star magnolia. In order to avoid scale, be sure to check for infected specimens when you purchase your tree. Prune branches that become infected to prevent the spread of the disease.
Ensure your tree’s health and happiness through regular, deep waterings and by placing nutrient-rich soil around the base of the tree.
Ensure your tree’s health and happiness through regular, deep waterings and by placing nutrient-rich soil around the base of the tree.
More great design trees:
Bald Cypress | Chinese Witch Hazel | Japanese Maple | Manzanita | Persian Ironwood
Smoke Tree | Tree Aloe
Great design plants:
Redtwig Dogwood | Hens-and-Chicks | Toyon | Black Mondo Grass | Feather Reed Grass
New Zealand Wind Grass | Blue Chalk Sticks
Great design flowers:
Catmint | Golden Creeping Jenny | Pacific Coast Iris | Red Kangaroo Paw | Sally Holmes Rose
Slipper Plant | Snake Flower
Bald Cypress | Chinese Witch Hazel | Japanese Maple | Manzanita | Persian Ironwood
Smoke Tree | Tree Aloe
Great design plants:
Redtwig Dogwood | Hens-and-Chicks | Toyon | Black Mondo Grass | Feather Reed Grass
New Zealand Wind Grass | Blue Chalk Sticks
Great design flowers:
Catmint | Golden Creeping Jenny | Pacific Coast Iris | Red Kangaroo Paw | Sally Holmes Rose
Slipper Plant | Snake Flower
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In zone 6 they are a harbinger of Spring. A beautiful, lightly scented early bloomer. They make a lovely screen as well.