Facts About the Star Magnolia Tree

Though native to Japan, the star magnolia tree survives well in many parts of the United States. It is a smaller, decorative tree that is striking in the spring when its foliage is in full bloom. The tree produces a fruit that is unobtrusive in both show and debris. It is used in landscaping and is available in a couple different varieties.

Star magnolias are expected to grow in zones 4 through 8, which covers most of the U.S. Areas in which it will not survive include Alaska, the northern parts of Montana, North Dakota, Minnesota and Maine. Florida, the southern parts of Louisiana and Texas, and the coastal part of California are also located in zones not fit for the cultivation of the star magnolia.

In the spring, even before leaves form, white to pinkish flowers adorn the star magnolia. Flowers are 3 to 4 inches wide with 12 to 18 narrow petals per flower; they are faintly fragrant but extremely showy. New leaves emerge with a bronze tint and turn a dark green. Autumn leaf colors are yellow to copper. Collective fruit, brownish in color, opens to expose an orange red seed in early autumn. Also ornamental is the bark. The trunk is grayish in color and the twigs are a shiny brown.

Varieties of the star magnolia include the Centennial, Rosea, Royal Star and Waterlily. The Centennial, released in 1972 by Harvard’s Arnold Arboretum, grows to be about 25 feet tall. It’s a pyramidal plant with white flowers that have a hint of pink. The Rosea has light pink flowers and grows to a maximum height of 15 feet. Pink buds open to reveal white flowers on the Royal Star which grows to 10 feet tall; it is a common commercial preference. The Waterlily grows to 15 feet. It has fragrant light pink to white flowers that develop slightly later than the other varieties.

Star magnolias aren’t considered a large tree. They grow to a height of 15 to 20 feet. Generally they branch close to the ground and have a dense head with a width of 10 to 15 feet, because of this they will naturally create a flowering bush look. To create a "tree" look, the lower foliage can be cut to expose more of the trunk. The tree is used as a yard specimen, to decorate decks and patios, and to fill small spaces.

Star magnolias grow in a variety of soils including clay, sand, and acidic soils. They have a moderate drought tolerance but no tolerance to salt or root competition. They need a lot of sun, some shade is okay, and regular doses of fertilizer help them stay healthy. It may be necessary to prune if branches develop canker disease. Frost can injure spring blooms.