How to Grow Magnolia Stellata - Plant Care & Tips

By NorwichGardener Team   /   2024

Magnolia stellata is a plant that is native to eastern Asia and is part of the magnolia family. This plant is known for its star-shaped white flowers that bloom in early spring. This plant is also known to be quite resistant to cold weather and can even tolerate some frost.

How to Grow Magnolia Stellata - Plant Care & Tips

Alternative name

  • Star magnolia
  • Magnolia stellata
  • Magnolia x stellata
  • Magnolia soulangeana
  • Magnolia denudata

Good to Know

  • The magnolia stellata is a deciduous shrub or small tree native to Japan.
  • It is commonly known as the star magnolia or starburst magnolia.
  • It is named for its showy, star-shaped flowers which appear in early spring before the leaves.
  • The flowers are white with a yellow center, and each one can be up to 8 cm across.
  • The shrub can grow to a height of 5-10 m and has a spreading, rounded habit.
  • The leaves are oval-shaped, dark green, and have a smooth margin.
  • The fruit is an oblong, reddish-purple capsule which contains numerous small seeds.
  • Magnolia stellata is often grown as an ornamental plant in gardens and parks.
  • It is relatively easy to care for and can tolerate a range of soil conditions.
  • Pruning is generally only required to shape the plant or remove any damaged or diseased branches.

Related plant:
Magnolia Figo

Growing Steps

  1. For magnolia stellata, first step is to choose a sunny spot in your garden with well-drained soil.
  2. Then, prepare the planting hole by digging it twice as wide and deep as the root ball of your plant.
  3. Once the hole is prepared, place the root ball of your magnolia stellata in it and backfill with the excavated soil.
  4. Water the plant deeply and thoroughly after planting.
  5. For the next step, you will need to prune your magnolia stellata. Pruning will encourage new growth and help to maintain the plant’s shape.
  6. Magnolia stellata should be fertilized in early spring and late summer with a balanced fertilizer.
  7. It is important to water your magnolia stellata during drought conditions or when the soil feels dry to the touch.
  8. In order to prevent damage from pests and diseases, it is important to practice good garden hygiene. This includes removing dead leaves and branches from around the plant.
  9. You can propagate magnolia stellata through softwood or hardwood cuttings.
  10. Finally, Magnolia stellata is a low-maintenance plant that does not require much pruning.

Related plant:
Yulan Magnolia

Soil Requirement

About soil condition, the Magnolia stellata prefers well-drained, fertile soils, and can tolerate a range of soil pH levels. It is not particularly tolerant of wet soils, so make sure the planting site has good drainage. Also, make sure to avoid overly alkaline or sandy soils.

Light condition

Similar to other magnolia trees, the magnolia stellata requires full sun to partial shade in order to thrive. It prefers well-drained, acidic soil but can tolerate a range of different soil types. This tree is relatively drought tolerant once it is established and does not require a lot of supplemental watering.

Good Temperature

The temperature condition of the Magnolia stellata is important to consider when growing this plant. This plant prefers warm temperatures and does not tolerate cold well. It is important to protect this plant from frost to ensure its health and to prevent it from dying. When growing this plant, it is important to keep it in an area that receives full sun and has well-drained soil.

Humidity Requirement

Ideal humidity condition for this plant is around 40%. If the humidity is too high, the plant will be susceptible to fungal diseases. If the humidity is too low, the plant will become dry and brittle.

The Fertilizer

Discussing fertilizer, usually the plant food we give our houseplants, is really important when it comes to the health of the roots of the plant. The roots are where the plant absorbs water and nutrients from the soil. If the roots are not healthy, the plant will not be healthy. When choosing a fertilizer, make sure it is appropriate for the type of plant you have.

Light requirement

Pruning is an important part of keeping your magnolia stellata healthy and looking its best. Pruning should be done in late winter or early spring, before new growth begins. Always use sharp, clean pruning tools to avoid damaging the plant. Cut out any dead or diseased wood, and remove any suckers or water sprouts. You can also prune to shape the plant or to control its size.

About Propagating

Propagation of stellata magnolia is typically done through rooting of softwood cuttings taken from the tips of young branches in late spring. The cuttings should be about 6 inches long and should be taken from a healthy plant that is not water-stressed. They should be placed in a well-drained potting mix and kept moist until roots have formed. Once the roots have formed and the plant is growing well, it can be transplanted into the landscape.

Growth Speed

Usually, the plant growth rate is slow to medium. In ideal conditions, it can grow up to 24 inches a year. Magnolia stellata is a deciduous shrub that typically blooms in early spring. It has a moderate to fast growth rate and can reach a height of 8-10 feet and a width of 6-8 feet. The flowers are white and star-shaped with a sweet fragrance.

Common Problems

Common problems for this kind of plant are scale, root rot, and dieback. Scale can be controlled with horticultural oil, but if left untreated, it can kill the plant. Root rot is a common problem in poorly drained soils. Dieback is often caused by Magnolia scale, root rot, or insect infestation.

Growing Tips

  • Remember to plant your magnolia stellata in an area with full sun to partial shade.
  • Make sure to water your magnolia stellata regularly, especially during dry spells.
  • fertilize your plant yearly with a balanced fertilizer.
  • Prune any dead or damaged branches as soon as you notice them.
  • Keep an eye out for pests or diseases and treat them immediately.
  • Once your plant is established, you can shape it by selectively pruning branches.
  • Don't be afraid to move your plant if it isn't happy in its current spot.
  • If you live in a cold climate, make sure to protect your plant from harsh winter weather.
  • Don't forget to enjoy the beautiful flowers your magnolia stellata produces each spring!
  • With a little care, your magnolia stellata will thrive and provide you with years of enjoyment.

You May Like

  • magnolia stellata SUZANNE (magnolia stellata x M. cesar)
  • magnolia stellata Daybreak (

Source:
Magnolia stellata - Ohio State University
Star Magnolia, Magnolia stellata - Master Gardener Program
Magnolia kobusvar. stellata - University of Florida

Richelle Author Photo
Reviewed & Published by Richelle
Submitted by our contributor
Shrubs Category