Magnolia stellata

Description and General Information

• Botanical Name: Magnolia stellata

• Common Name: Star Magnolia

• Plant Type: Deciduous shrub or small tree with a compact, rounded shape.

• Growth Habit: Slow-growing, typically reaching 2.5–3 m tall and similar spread, making it ideal for smaller gardens.

• Foliage: Medium green leaves that turn a soft yellow in autumn before falling.

• Flowers: Stunning star-shaped white blooms, often fragrant, with 12–18 narrow petals; flowers appear in early spring before the leaves emerge, sometimes as early as March.

• Seasonal Interest: Spectacular early-season flowers, fresh green summer foliage, and warm autumn tones.

• Garden Uses: Ideal as a specimen plant, in mixed borders, or as a focal point near patios where blooms can be admired.

• Wildlife Benefits: Flowers provide early nectar for pollinators, especially bees.

• Hardiness: Fully hardy across the UK and Ireland; tolerant of cold winters.

Planting Conditions and Ideal Location

• Light Requirements: Prefers full sun for best flowering, but will tolerate light partial shade.

• Soil Preferences: Thrives in fertile, moist but well-drained soil with plenty of organic matter.

• pH Range: Slightly acidic to neutral (pH 5.5–7.0); avoid highly alkaline soils.

• Moisture Needs: Keep soil evenly moist, especially during establishment and in dry spells.

• Planting Time: Best planted in spring or early autumn to give roots time to settle before extreme weather.

• Spacing: Allow at least 2–3 m for mature spread.

• Shelter Needs: Choose a sheltered site away from strong winds to protect early blossoms from frost and wind damage.

• Companion Planting: Complements Camellia, Rhododendron, Pieris, and spring bulbs planted nearby for a layered seasonal display.

• Container Growing: Can be grown in large containers for several years; use ericaceous compost for best results.

Routine Care, Feeding, and Seasonal Maintenance

• Watering:

  • Water regularly during the first 1–2 years to establish a strong root system.

  • In prolonged dry periods, especially during summer, provide deep watering once or twice a week.

• Feeding:

  • In early spring, apply a slow-release fertiliser for acid-loving plants to encourage healthy growth and abundant flowers.

  • Top-dress annually with well-rotted compost or leaf mould.

• Pruning:

  • Minimal pruning required; remove only dead, damaged, or crossing branches.

  • If shaping is necessary, prune immediately after flowering to avoid removing next year’s buds.

• Mulching:

  • Apply a 5–8 cm layer of bark, compost, or leaf mould around the root area in spring, keeping it clear of the trunk to prevent rot.

• Pest and Disease Resistance: Generally pest-free; occasional scale insects or honey fungus may occur in poor conditions.

• Winter Care: Fully hardy when established; younger plants benefit from a protective mulch layer over roots in colder regions.

• Frost Protection for Flowers: Early blooms can be damaged by late frosts—cover with horticultural fleece if frost is forecast.

• Weed Control: Keep the base weed-free to prevent competition for water and nutrients.

• Longevity: Long-lived and improves with age, producing more blooms each year.

• Size
  30-40 CM C5

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.
 

Click & Collect

Can’t wait for delivery? Why not try our FREE Click & Collect service? Simply make your purchase online and collect it from our store located in Croagh Co. Limerick. Our staff will contact you by phone when your order is ready for collection (Please allow 24 hours minimum). When collecting your item, call the store on 069-64084. We will then load into your car as required. This service is available in-store 9am – 6pm Monday – Saturday (No collections on Sundays)

Click here for more information about our shipping conditions.

You can pay your online order either by credit card or via Paypal.
If you have any further questions about the online order payment please contact us via ­069 640 84 or mail.