Star Magnolia
Magnolia stellata
An early-blooming magnolia that signals spring's arrival with masses of fragrant, star-shaped white flowers that appear before the leaves emerge. This compact magnolia is perfect for smaller gardens and consistently ranks as one of the most reliable and beautiful spring-flowering trees for home landscapes.
Harvest
N/Ad
Days to harvest
Sun
Full sun to partial shade
Zones
4–8
USDA hardiness
Height
15-20 feet
Planting Timeline
Showing dates for Star Magnolia in USDA Zone 7
All Zone 7 ornamental-tree →Zone Map
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Star Magnolia · Zones 4–8
Growing Details
Zone-by-Zone Planting Calendar
Complete Growing Guide
Light: #showy flowers#deciduous#fragrant flowers#heat tolerant#specimen#white flowers#deciduous shrub#flowering tree#fast growing#children's garden#foundation planting#playground plant#star shaped flowers#edible seeds#pollinator plant#fantz#leathery leaves#deciduous tree#wet soils tolerant#butterfly friendly#flowers late winter#non-toxic for horses#non-toxic for dogs#non-toxic for cats#landscape plant sleuths course#woodland#small groups#HS111#HS304. Soil: High Organic Matter, Loam (Silt). Soil pH: Acid (<6.0), Neutral (6.0-8.0). Drainage: Good Drainage, Moist, Occasionally Wet. Water: #showy flowers#deciduous#fragrant flowers#heat tolerant#specimen#white flowers#deciduous shrub#flowering tree#fast growing#children's garden#foundation planting#playground plant#star shaped flowers#edible seeds#pollinator plant#fantz#leathery leaves#deciduous tree#wet soils tolerant#butterfly friendly#flowers late winter#non-toxic for horses#non-toxic for dogs#non-toxic for cats#landscape plant sleuths course#woodland#small groups#HS111#HS304. Height: 15 ft. 0 in. - 20 ft. 6 in.. Spread: 10 ft. 0 in. - 15 ft. 0 in.. Spacing: 12-24 feet. Growth rate: Slow. Maintenance: Medium. Propagation: Seed, Stem Cutting. Regions: Coastal, Mountains, Piedmont.
Harvesting
The fruit is cone-like and has an aggregate of follicles. It measures 2 to 2.5 inches long. It will mature in late summer, and the cone-like fruit will burst open and reveal the orange seeds.
Color: Brown/Copper, Orange. Type: Aggregate, Follicle. Length: 1-3 inches. Width: 1-3 inches.
Garden value: Edible, Showy
Harvest time: Fall
Bloom time: Spring, Winter
Advantages
- +Disease resistance: Heat
- +Attracts: Height: 15 ft. 0 in. - 20 ft. 6 in., Width: 10 ft. 0 in. - 15 ft. 0 in.
- +Wildlife value: Birds and small mammals are attracted to seeds. Butterflies pollinate the flowers
Companion Plants
Plant Together
Azalea
Shares similar acidic soil preferences and blooms complement magnolia's early spring flowers
Rhododendron
Thrives in same acidic, well-draining soil conditions and provides complementary foliage texture
Hosta
Tolerates partial shade created by magnolia canopy and adds contrasting foliage texture
Japanese Painted Fern
Thrives in dappled shade under magnolia and adds silvery foliage contrast
Camellia
Prefers similar acidic soil and partial shade, extends flowering season
Coral Bells
Tolerates shade and adds colorful foliage that complements magnolia's green leaves
Astilbe
Thrives in partial shade and moist conditions, provides feathery texture contrast
Japanese Maple
Compatible growth habits and provides autumn color when magnolia foliage fades
Keep Apart
Black Walnut
Produces juglone toxin that can inhibit magnolia root development and overall health
Pine Trees
Creates overly acidic soil conditions and dense shade that can stress magnolia
Eucalyptus
Releases allelopathic compounds that inhibit growth of nearby plants including magnolias
Pests & Disease Resistance
Resistance
Good disease resistance, occasional leaf spot issues
Common Pests
Scale insects, magnolia scale, thrips
Diseases
Leaf spot, canker, root rot in poorly drained soils