- Mature height
- 2.5m to 4m
- Mature width
- 2m to 3m
Magnolia stellata, the Star Magnolia, is one of the first trees to flower each year. Pure white star-shaped blooms open on bare branches in late winter, well before the leaves appear, so the whole plant reads as flower against an empty garden.
Each bloom carries 12 to 18 narrow strap-like petals in a loose star, lightly fragrant, around 8 to 10 cm across. Flowering runs through August and September in most Australian gardens, earlier in warm districts.
It stays small. Mature plants reach 2.5 to 4 metres tall and 2 to 3 metres wide, usually multi-stemmed and rounded rather than upright, and growth is slow at 15 to 30 cm a year. That makes it one of the few magnolias that genuinely suits a courtyard or a small front garden without outgrowing it.
It is very frost hardy and performs best in cool to temperate districts, in full sun to part shade with humus-rich, well-drained, slightly acidic soil. The one thing to plan for is late frost. Because it flowers so early, an unseasonal cold snap can brown the open blooms, so a position with morning shelter protects the display.
Frequently Asked Questions
About Magnolia stellata Star Magnolia
What is Magnolia stellata?
Magnolia stellata, the Star Magnolia, is a compact deciduous flowering tree native to Japan. It is named for its star-shaped white flowers, which carry 12 to 18 narrow strap-like petals and open on bare branches in late winter before the foliage appears. It is one of the smallest and earliest-flowering magnolias in cultivation.
When does it flower?
Late winter into early spring, typically August and September in Australia, and earlier in warmer districts. Flowers open on bare wood, so the display is uninterrupted by foliage. It is usually the first magnolia in the garden to bloom.
How big does Star Magnolia grow?
Approximately 2.5 to 4 metres tall and 2 to 3 metres wide at maturity, with a rounded multi-stemmed habit. Growth is slow at 15 to 30 centimetres a year, which is why it holds its scale well in small gardens and rarely needs pruning to control size.
How is it different from Magnolia stellata 'Rosea'?
Same plant, different flower colour. The straight species has pure white flowers. 'Rosea' opens from pink buds to pale blush flowers that fade toward white as they age. Habit, size, timing and growing requirements are effectively identical, so the choice comes down to whether you want white or pink in the planting.
Is it suitable for small gardens?
Yes, it is one of the best magnolias for a small garden. At 2.5 to 4 metres it stays in proportion to a courtyard, a front garden or a narrow bed, and the slow growth rate means it will not outgrow the space. It also performs well in a large pot.
Where does it grow best in Australia?
Cool to temperate districts including Victoria, Tasmania, the ACT, the NSW Southern Highlands and Tablelands, Gippsland, the Adelaide Hills and cooler parts of Sydney. It needs winter chill to flower well and is not suited to tropical or subtropical Queensland.
Does late frost damage the flowers?
It can. The plant itself is very frost hardy, but because it flowers so early an unseasonal cold snap can brown open blooms. Planting where it gets morning shelter rather than direct early sun after a frost helps the flowers thaw slowly and reduces damage. The tree is unharmed either way and will flower again the following year.
Does it need pruning?
Very little. Magnolias flower on wood formed the previous season, so pruning at the wrong time removes next year's flowers. Remove dead or crossing branches only, immediately after flowering. Avoid hard cutting back, as magnolias are slow to reshoot from old wood.
