Scientific name: Magnolia stellata
Family: MAGNOLIACEAE
Common names: “Star magnolia”
Plant Type: Deciduous shrub
Conditions:
Zone: 5-9
Light: Prefers semi shade, grows in sun – shade with fewer flowers in shade
Exposure: Sheltered
Soil: Humus rich, slightly alkaline soil
Moisture: Moist well drained
Aesthetic:
Plant Size: H 10-20′ W 12-20′
Leaf and Stem shape:Narrowly obovate leaves
Flower: Fuzzy buds, white – pink star shaped flowers before leaves, blooms young
Pruning: Prune in summer, requires skill, can be pruned up into a small tree
Maintenance: Low
Landscape use: Cut flowers, focal point, pair with summer blooming plants, city and courtyard gardens
Propagate: By seed and cuttings
Pests & Disease: Tender roots rot easily if not well drained, sun can damage the cambium and cause canker, *deer don’t bother it
Comments: Shallow rooted – underplant permanent plants
Cultivars: M. s. ‘Royal Star’ – Faintly pink buds with pure white tepals, fragrant
Vancouver Island Grows 