Royal Star Magnolia Tree

Say goodbye to winter with a profusion of double white 'star' blooms that envelope this tree like stars in the night sky. As other trees are preparing their buds, the Royal Star Magnolia will brighten up your landscape and signal the arrival of spring. The elegant multi-branch structure of this tree creates an open form that looks great as a shrub or or can be pruned into a small specimen tree, making it quite versatile in landscape design. The leaves are deciduous and much smaller than a southern magnolia, but still oblong and slightly glossy. While not spectacular in the fall, the golden color with hints of green is very appealing and compliments bold fall colors and hardscaping well.

The Royal Star Magnolias is more cold hardy than most magnolias, being adaptable up to zone 4. We like them in the spring in combination with redbuds, especially in a grouping with Appalachian Red. The hot pink/purple blooms of a redbud in conjunction with the abundant white magnolia blooms creates a jaw dropping display.

Star magnolias will grow moderately fast, expect about a foot a year out of a well cared for tree. They are relatively small and will top out at 10 to 12 feet tall and 8 to 10 feet wide. Left to their own devices, they will grow into a rounded shrub that can be planted individually, clustered, or used as a deciduous hedge. If pruned upward, they will develop a more treelike form and competing branches can be selectively pruned for a more open form. Prune branches when they are small, immediately after flowering for best results. We suggest cutting a little bit at a time as not to unintentionally ruin the shape. 

Like other magnolias, these trees appreciate moist well drained soil rich in organic matter, and are intollerant of soil extremes. We suggest mulch for all trees, but we consider it a must for magnolias because it will help protect the roots from fluctuations in soil temperature and moisture content. To feed the trees, we recommend a slow release fertilizer as the leaves change in the fall, while the tree is dormant, or immediately prior to spring. For more instructions on tree care see our care section below. 

General care for any tree or shrub is easy, but like any living thing will require your attention. Please educate yourself and follow these simple rules.