Magnolia ‘Star Wars’ Care Guide

Magnolia ‘Star Wars’ is a stunning, large deciduous shrub or small tree loved for its huge, star-shaped flowers that appear in spring before the leaves. Each bloom can reach up to 25–30 cm across, with soft pink outer petals and paler interiors, creating a dramatic display. This hybrid variety is hardy, easy to grow in the right spot, and makes a striking feature plant for lawns, borders, or woodland gardens.

Planting & Position

Getting the planting right is key to a healthy, long-lived magnolia.

• Light requirements:

  • Best in full sun to light partial shade.

  • Needs at least 4–6 hours of sunlight for abundant flowers.

• Shelter:

  • Choose a sheltered position, protected from strong winds and late frosts which can damage buds.

• Soil:

  • Prefers fertile, moist, well-drained, slightly acidic to neutral soil.

  • Avoid chalky or very alkaline soils — improve with ericaceous compost if needed.

• Planting time:

  • Plant in spring or early autumn while soil is warm and moist.

• Spacing & growth:

  • Expect up to 4–6 m height and spread over time; allow room for mature size.

• Container growing:

  • Possible while young in large tubs with ericaceous compost, but better planted in the ground for long-term health.

Care & Maintenance

Once established, Magnolia ‘Star Wars’ is relatively easy to look after with a little seasonal attention.

• Watering:

  • Keep soil consistently moist, especially during the first 2–3 years and in dry summers.

  • Mulch well to help retain moisture.

• Feeding:

  • Feed in spring with an ericaceous or acid-loving plant fertiliser.

  • A second light feed in midsummer helps flower bud formation.

• Mulching:

  • Apply a thick mulch of composted bark, leaf mould, or ericaceous compost each spring, keeping clear of the trunk.

• Pruning:

  • Requires little pruning — best left natural.

  • If needed, prune lightly in late summer after flowering to remove dead, crossing, or damaged branches.

  • Avoid hard pruning, as magnolias dislike heavy cutting.

• Pests & diseases:

  • Generally healthy; occasionally aphids or scale insects may appear.

  • Yellowing leaves can indicate alkaline soil; add ericaceous compost or feed to correct.

• Frost care:

  • Protect young buds and flowers from late frosts with fleece if severe cold is forecast.

Design Uses & Seasonal Interest

‘Star Wars’ is a spectacular feature plant with year-round elegance and an unforgettable spring display.

• Feature tree:

  • Ideal as a standalone specimen on a lawn or in a prominent border.

  • Perfect for modern or cottage gardens needing a statement spring tree.

• Seasonal appeal:

  • Early–mid spring: Huge, star-shaped pink flowers appear on bare branches before leaves emerge.

  • Summer: Large, fresh green leaves add lush background foliage.

  • Autumn: Attractive seasonal colour as leaves turn golden.

  • Winter: Strong branching gives structure and interest.

• Companion planting:

  • Pair with spring bulbs (daffodils, crocus) or acid-loving shrubs (azaleas, rhododendrons, camellias) for layered seasonal interest.

• Wildlife value:

  • Flowers attract early pollinators such as bees.

In summary: Magnolia ‘Star Wars’ is an exceptional spring-flowering feature tree, valued for its giant pink blooms and graceful form. Plant in a sheltered, sunny spot with moist, slightly acidic soil, water well while young, mulch annually, and prune lightly only when necessary. With minimal care, it will reward you with decades of spectacular spring flowers and year-round garden beauty.

• Size
  12lt

We currently only deliver within the island of Ireland, other countries can be quoted for by contacting [email protected] or via telephone on 06964084
 

Standard Delivery is FREE on orders over €250*

All standard deliveries will be completed within 5-7 working days via Fastway Couriers, any delay to this delivery time, the customer will be notified by One of our staff.

The in-Store delivery charge will vary compared with online, in-store delivery charge is done on a case by case basis. 

* Only mainland Ireland addresses qualify for free delivery.
 

Live Plants Delivery

Our live plants are packed with care and diligence by our staff, our horticulturists review each plant before despatch to ensure quality is maintained.
Live Plant delivery charges are not calculated on weight but on the space required per package to ensure safe delivery, so delivery charges may vary as some plants require more space than others when packed.
All live plants are despatched within 3-5 working days where possible, our couriers aim to deliver within 48 hours of despatch from our Garden Centre to allow the plant to arrive in healthy condition.
 

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