Family

Magnoliaceae

Description

Star magnolia (Magnolia stellata) is among the earliest woody plants to bloom in spring, often flowering before its leaves emerge. Though widely planted for its floral display, it also offers strong form and textural interest year-round, especially when allowed to develop as a multi-stemmed shrub rather than tightly pruned. Buds are vulnerable to late frosts, but the plant itself is long-lived and tolerant of urban soils, making it a reliable structural element in mixed shrub borders or foundation plantings.

 

Native to moist, forested valleys of central Honshu, Japan, M. stellata prefers full sun to part shade and rich, well-drained soil. It grows slowly but steadily and benefits from minimal disturbance to its root zone. In colder climates, positioning near a building or slope can offer some frost protection during bud break.

Bloom Time

March to April