Royal Star Magnolia

Sold Out

Ships 1-3 days*

Size
$248.00

$1500+, SAVEMORE20 for 20% off
$3000+, SAVEMORE30 for 30% off
$7000+, Contact our sales team

For questions on bulk order discounts
Please contact us at sales@simplytrees.com

 

The Royal Star Magnolia is a striking deciduous shrub or small tree known for its stunning, fragrant white star-shaped flowers that bloom in early spring. Its elegant, deep green foliage provides a beautiful backdrop, making it a standout addition to gardens and landscapes.

  • Botanical name: Magnolia stellata
  • Bloom time: Early Spring
  • Deciduous
  • Grown in the USA

SUNLIGHT:
Prefers full sun to partial shade

WATER:
Water when the top 1-2 inches of soil are dry. Approximately every 1-2 weeks. Watering frequency may vary based on climate and establishment phase.

IDEAL CLIMATE:
Hardy in USDA Zones 4-9; thrives in well-draining soil and moderate climates

Note: The Royal Star Magnolia may require some protection from harsh winter winds and late frosts to prevent damage to its early blooms.

PLANT DESCRIPTION & MATURE SIZE

Royal Star Magnolia, scientifically known as Magnolia stellata, is a stunning deciduous tree that graces gardens with its star-shaped white or pink flowers in early spring. Known for its compact size and dense branching, this tree is perfect for small gardens, borders, and as a specimen plant. Its early blooms and attractive form make it a cherished addition to landscapes, providing a burst of color and fragrance after winter.

GROWTH RATE & MATURE SIZE:

Slow to moderate growth rate; mature height of 10-15 feet and width of 10-15 feet.

WATERING & SUNLIGHT

Water regularly during the first growing season to establish a deep, extensive root system. Once established, it is moderately drought-tolerant. Stellata Magnolia prefers full sun to partial shade, requiring at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily for optimal growth and flowering.

PLANT CARE & PLANTING INSTRUCTIONS

Pruning: Prune after flowering to maintain shape and remove any dead or damaged branches. Minimal pruning is usually needed due to its naturally compact form.

Fertilization: Apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring to support healthy growth and abundant blooms. Avoid over-fertilizing, as this can lead to excessive foliage at the expense of flowers.

Winter Protection: Generally hardy, Royal Star Magnolia requires minimal winter protection. Mulching around the base can help insulate the roots in colder regions.

PLANTING INSTRUCTIONS:

Plant in well-drained soil enriched with organic matter. Dig a hole twice as wide and as deep as the root ball. Place the tree in the hole, backfill with soil, and water thoroughly. Space trees 10-15 feet apart to allow for their mature spread and proper air circulation.

USDA GROW ZONE:

Zones 4-9

Royal Star Magnolia thrives in USDA grow zones 4-9, making it adaptable to a wide range of climates. It can withstand cold winters and warm summers, provided it is planted in well-drained soil and receives adequate sunlight.

Frequently Asked Questions

The Royal Star Magnolia typically reaches the following dimensions at maturity:

Height: Royal Star Magnolia usually grows to a height of 10 to 15 feet.
Width: It typically has a spread of 10 to 15 feet as well.

This compact size makes the Royal Star Magnolia an excellent choice for small gardens, foundation plantings, and as a specimen tree. Its manageable height and spread allow it to fit well in various landscape settings while providing beautiful blooms and lush foliage.

The Royal Star Magnolia has a moderate growth rate. Here are some specifics about its growth:

Annual Growth: On average, Royal Star Magnolia trees grow about 12 to 18 inches per year under optimal conditions.

Mature Size: The tree typically reaches a mature height of 10 to 15 feet and a similar spread. It may take several years to reach its full size, depending on the growing conditions and care provided.

Factors Influencing Growth:
Sunlight: Full sun to partial shade is ideal for promoting healthy growth.
Soil Quality: Well-drained, slightly acidic to neutral soil rich in organic matter supports better growth.
Watering: Consistent moisture, especially during dry periods, helps maintain steady growth. Avoid waterlogged conditions.
Fertilization: Applying a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in the spring can boost growth and overall health.

By providing the right care and conditions, you can ensure your Royal Star Magnolia grows steadily and maintains its health and beauty in your landscape.

The best place to plant the Royal Star Magnolia is in an environment that meets its specific growing needs and enhances its ornamental value. Here are some ideal conditions and considerations for planting this tree:

Sunlight:
Full Sun to Partial Shade: Royal Star Magnolia thrives in full sun to partial shade. It performs best with at least 6 hours of direct sunlight each day. In hotter climates, some afternoon shade can be beneficial to prevent the foliage from scorching.

Soil:
Well-Drained Soil: Plant in well-drained soil to prevent root rot. The tree prefers slightly acidic to neutral soil (pH 5.5-7.0).
Soil Quality: While it can tolerate various soil types, amending the soil with organic matter such as compost can improve fertility and drainage.

Air Circulation:
Good Air Flow: Ensure the planting site has good air circulation to reduce the risk of fungal diseases and promote healthy growth.

Protection from Harsh Conditions:
Wind Protection: In areas prone to strong winds, choose a sheltered location to protect the tree from wind damage.
Frost Protection: Although hardy, planting in a spot that offers some protection from late spring frosts can help preserve the early blooms.

Proximity to Structures:
Distance from Buildings: Plant at least 10 to 15 feet away from buildings, fences, and other structures to allow for mature growth and prevent root interference.
Distance from Pathways: Plant at least 10 feet away from sidewalks and driveways to ensure ample space for the tree’s spread.

Landscape Use:
Specimen Tree: Use as a focal point in the garden, where its beautiful blooms can be admired in early spring.
Borders and Foundation Plantings: Incorporate into borders or foundation plantings, where it can provide structure and seasonal interest.
Mixed Plantings: Combine with other shrubs and perennials to create a diverse and visually appealing garden space.

Watering and Maintenance:
Consistent Moisture: Ensure the tree receives regular watering, especially during dry periods. Mulch around the base to retain soil moisture and regulate temperature.

By planting the Royal Star Magnolia in these ideal conditions, you can ensure it thrives and adds its stunning beauty and fragrance to your landscape for many years to come.

Yes, the Royal Star Magnolia is a deciduous tree. This means it sheds its leaves annually in the fall. Here are some details about its deciduous nature:

Leaf Shedding: In the fall, the leaves of the Royal Star Magnolia turn yellow before falling off. This provides a brief period of autumn color.

Winter Appearance: During the winter, the tree is bare, revealing its attractive branching structure. The bare branches add a sculptural element to the winter landscape.

Spring Renewal: In early spring, the tree produces its stunning, star-shaped white flowers before the new leaves emerge. After the blooming period, fresh green leaves appear, providing lush foliage throughout the summer.

The deciduous nature of the Royal Star Magnolia allows it to showcase different aspects of its beauty in each season, making it a valuable and dynamic addition to any garden or landscape.

The Royal Star Magnolia typically blooms in early spring. Here are some specifics about its blooming period:

Timing: The Royal Star Magnolia usually begins to bloom in late winter to early spring, often in March or April, depending on the local climate and weather conditions. In some regions, it can start blooming as early as February.

Duration: The blooming period lasts for several weeks, providing a spectacular display of flowers. The exact duration can vary based on weather conditions, but it generally lasts from 2 to 4 weeks.

Flower Characteristics: The flowers are large, star-shaped, and pure white with a slight fragrance. Each flower typically has 12 to 18 petals, creating a striking appearance against the bare branches before the leaves emerge.

By planting Royal Star Magnolia in your garden, you can enjoy its beautiful and fragrant blooms as one of the first signs of spring, brightening up your landscape after the winter months.

The Royal Star Magnolia offers year-round interest with its changing appearance through the seasons. Here’s a detailed look at what it looks like throughout the year:

Spring:
Blooming Period: In early spring, Royal Star Magnolia produces a spectacular display of large, fragrant, star-shaped white flowers. The blooms appear before the leaves, creating a striking contrast against the bare branches.
Foliage Emergence: After the flowers fade, the tree begins to leaf out with fresh, green leaves.

Summer:
Full Foliage: The tree is covered with lush, dark green, oblong leaves. The dense foliage provides a beautiful backdrop for other plants and offers a shady spot in the garden.
Occasional Flowers: Some magnolias may produce sporadic blooms in the early summer, but this is less common.

Fall:
Leaf Color Change: As autumn approaches, the leaves of the Royal Star Magnolia turn yellow before falling off. The vibrant yellow foliage adds a touch of autumn color to the landscape.
Seed Pods: The tree may produce small, inconspicuous seed pods that add some textural interest to the tree.

Winter:
Bare Branches: In winter, the tree sheds its leaves, revealing its attractive branching structure. The bare branches create a sculptural silhouette, especially striking against a winter landscape.
Buds: Flower buds formed in the previous year are visible on the branches, adding interest and anticipation for the upcoming spring blooms.

By providing visual interest in each season, the Royal Star Magnolia enhances the beauty of your garden year-round, making it a valuable addition to any landscape.

When planting a Royal Star Magnolia near structures, it's important to consider its mature size and growth habit to ensure proper spacing. Here are the recommended guidelines:

Distance from Buildings:
Spacing: Plant Royal Star Magnolia at least 10 to 15 feet away from buildings, houses, and other structures. This spacing allows enough room for the tree to grow to its full mature size without its branches touching or interfering with the structure.

Distance from Sidewalks and Driveways:
Spacing: Keep the tree at least 10 feet away from sidewalks, driveways, and other paved surfaces. This prevents root interference and ensures that the branches do not obstruct pathways.

Air Circulation:
Good Air Flow: Ensure there is adequate space around the tree to allow for good air circulation. This helps prevent fungal diseases and promotes healthy growth.

Consider Mature Size:
Height and Spread: Royal Star Magnolia typically grows to a height of 10 to 15 feet and a similar width. Providing enough space from the start helps the tree reach its mature size without overcrowding or causing damage to nearby structures.

By following these guidelines, you can ensure that your Royal Star Magnolia has enough room to grow healthily and enhance your landscape without causing issues with nearby structures.

Yes, the Royal Star Magnolia is known for its fragrant flowers. The large, star-shaped white blooms emit a pleasant, sweet fragrance, adding an extra dimension to its ornamental appeal. This delightful fragrance, combined with its striking appearance, makes the Royal Star Magnolia a popular choice for gardens and landscapes. The fragrant blooms typically appear in early spring, enhancing the sensory experience in your garden.

The best time to prune a Royal Star Magnolia is immediately after it has finished blooming in late spring. Here are some detailed guidelines for pruning:

Timing:
Post-Bloom Pruning: Prune your Royal Star Magnolia immediately after the blooms have faded in late spring to early summer. This timing ensures that you do not remove the flower buds that will develop for the next season.

Types of Pruning:
Light Pruning: Focus on removing any dead, damaged, or diseased branches. This helps maintain the tree’s health and appearance.
Shaping: If necessary, you can lightly shape the tree to maintain its desired form. Remove any crossing branches or those that detract from the tree’s natural shape.
Thinning: Thin out the interior branches if the canopy is overly dense. This improves air circulation and light penetration, promoting better overall health.

How to Prune:
Tools: Use clean, sharp pruning shears or loppers. For larger branches, a pruning saw may be necessary.
Cutting Technique: Make clean cuts just outside the branch collar (the swollen area where the branch meets the trunk or a larger branch). Avoid leaving stubs or cutting too close to the trunk.
Disinfection: Disinfect your tools before and after pruning, especially if you are removing diseased branches, to prevent the spread of disease.

Avoid Heavy Pruning:
Minimal Pruning: Royal Star Magnolias typically require minimal pruning. Avoid heavy pruning as it can stress the tree and reduce blooming.
Growth Habit: Respect the natural growth habit of the tree. Magnolias have a graceful, spreading form that can be disrupted by excessive pruning.

By following these pruning guidelines, you can help ensure that your Royal Star Magnolia remains healthy, maintains its beautiful shape, and produces abundant blooms each spring.

If your Royal Star Magnolia isn't blooming, several factors could be affecting its ability to produce flowers. Here are some common reasons and solutions:

Age of the Tree:
Reason: Young magnolias may take several years to mature before they start blooming.
Solution: Be patient and give the tree time to establish and mature.

Insufficient Sunlight:
Reason: Royal Star Magnolias need full sun to partial shade to bloom well. If the tree is in too much shade, it may not get enough light to produce flowers.
Solution: Ensure the tree receives at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day. Consider pruning surrounding plants or relocating the tree to a sunnier spot if necessary.

Improper Soil Conditions:
Reason: Magnolias prefer well-drained, slightly acidic soil. Poor soil conditions can hinder blooming.
Solution: Test your soil and amend it if necessary to improve drainage and acidity. Adding organic matter like compost can also help.

Watering Issues:
Reason: Both overwatering and underwatering can stress the tree and affect blooming.
Solution: Water the tree regularly, keeping the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Deep watering is preferable to shallow, frequent watering.

Nutrient Deficiency:
Reason: A lack of essential nutrients, particularly phosphorus, can lead to poor blooming.
Solution: Fertilize with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer that includes phosphorus, following the package instructions.

Improper Pruning:
Reason: Pruning at the wrong time or too heavily can remove flower buds.
Solution: Prune magnolias sparingly and only after they have finished blooming to avoid removing potential flower buds.

Environmental Stress:
Reason: Environmental stress, such as transplant shock, extreme weather, or pest infestations, can affect blooming.
Solution: Protect the tree from extreme conditions, and inspect it regularly for pests and diseases. Address any issues promptly.

Late Frost:
Reason: Late spring frosts can damage flower buds and prevent them from blooming.
Solution: If late frost is a recurring issue, consider using frost cloths to protect the buds or planting the tree in a more sheltered location.

By identifying and addressing the specific cause of your Royal Star Magnolia's lack of blooms, you can help restore its flowering and enjoy its beautiful blooms in the spring.

More Details

We process and ship your order as quickly as possible, typically within 1-3 business days. You will receive a shipping confirmation with tracking information once your item(s) ship.

We have perfected packaging and shipping plants & trees! That is why we DO NOT use any third-party fulfillment like most other online retailers. Your trees go straight from our farm to your door, safely packaged by our team of seasoned professionals. Our process ensures your plants leave our facility and arrive to your door in the best condition possible!

In cases of extreme cold or hot weather, we may temporarily delay shipping to ensure the well-being of your plants. Our primary focus is on delivering healthy and thriving plants to you. Rest assured, we'll make every effort to notify you of any delays promptly.

Please allow additional ship times during inclement weather and sale periods. We do not process or ship orders on the weekend or U.S. Holidays. Simply Trees is not responsible for delays due to carriers, local disruptions, or weather.

See how we pack your plants!

Learn more about our Shipping Policy

At Simply Trees, we're committed to your satisfaction. If your plants arrive considerably damaged or sustained damage beyond the point of recovery, please contact us within five days at sales@simplytrees.com with clear photos of the entire plant in question for assistance. Our 30-day guarantee covers issues after planting, subject to our terms and conditions. We can't cover plants in the wrong climate or with inadequate care, but we're here to help in other situations. For a detailed understanding of our 30-day guarantee and how we ensure a fair process, click here to learn more.

What's inside?

Your order from Simply Trees is more than just a box of plants—it’s a carefully curated experience. Here’s what’s inside:

  • We hand-select our plants for premium-quality from top growers nationwide
  • Each plant is then cleaned, prepped, and pruned to remove any blemishes and encourage new growth
  • Expertly treated and inspected for preventative measure
  • The pot is wrapped in a durable plastic bag and secured with a zip tie; house plants get extra protection with a recyclable nursery bag
  • Your plant is strapped into our durable double-pane boxes, secured in place with a heavy-duty zip tie to ensure safe transit
  • A thank you card with a QR code leads to our guide on welcoming your new plants home

We take pride in making sure every detail is just right, so you can enjoy your new greenery from the moment it arrives.

Sustainable shipping, quality care

We've perfected the art of packaging and shipping plants and trees! Unlike most online retailers, we handle everything in-house—no third-party fulfillment. Our experienced team carefully packages your plants to ensure they arrive from our farm to your door in perfect condition.