MAGNOLIA SUSAN

Description and General Information

• Botanical Name: Magnolia stellata ‘Royal Star’

• Common Name: Royal Star Magnolia

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

• Growth Habit: Dense, multi-stemmed form; reaches 2.5–3 m in height and spread, making it perfect for smaller gardens or as a feature plant.

• Foliage: Medium green, oval leaves turning soft yellow in autumn before dropping.

• Flowers: Large, star-shaped blooms of pure white with 20–30 narrow petals, giving a fuller appearance than standard M. stellata. Flowers are fragrant and appear in early spring before leaves emerge, often from March to April.

• Seasonal Interest: Provides one of the earliest and most striking spring displays, followed by attractive summer foliage and warm autumn tones.

• Garden Uses: Excellent as a specimen plant, in mixed borders, near patios, or as part of a spring focal display.

• Wildlife Benefits: Early nectar source for bees and other pollinators.

• Hardiness: Fully hardy in the UK and Ireland; withstands frost well once established.

Planting Conditions and Ideal Location

• Light Requirements: Thrives in full sun for best flowering, but tolerates light partial shade.

• Soil Preferences: Prefers fertile, moist but well-drained soil enriched with organic matter.

• pH Range: Slightly acidic to neutral (pH 5.5–7.0). Avoid very alkaline soils to prevent chlorosis (leaf yellowing).

• Moisture Needs: Maintain consistent moisture, especially in the first 2 years and during dry spells.

• Planting Time: Best planted in spring or early autumn for strong root establishment before summer heat or winter cold.

• Spacing: Allow at least 2.5–3 m for mature spread.

• Shelter Needs: Plant in a location protected from strong winds to safeguard early flowers from frost and wind scorch.

• Companion Planting: Complements Camellia, Pieris, Rhododendron, and spring bulbs for layered seasonal interest.

• Container Growing: Can be grown in a large pot for several years; use ericaceous compost for healthy growth and flowers.

Routine Care, Feeding, and Seasonal Maintenance

• Watering:

  • Keep soil evenly moist, especially during the establishment phase and in hot, dry weather.

  • Deep water once or twice weekly during prolonged dry spells.

• Feeding:

  • In early spring, apply a slow-release fertiliser for acid-loving plants to support healthy foliage and flower production.

  • Mulch annually with leaf mould, bark, or well-rotted compost to enrich soil and retain moisture.

• Pruning:

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

  • If shaping is necessary, prune immediately after flowering to avoid removing developing buds for the following year.

• Mulching:

  • Apply a 5–8 cm mulch in spring around the root zone, avoiding direct contact with the trunk.

• Pest and Disease Resistance: Generally trouble-free; occasional scale insects may appear but are rarely a serious problem.

• Winter Care: Fully hardy when mature; young plants benefit from an insulating mulch to protect roots in colder regions.

• Frost Protection for Flowers: Cover with horticultural fleece if late frost is forecast during bloom time.

• Weed Control: Keep base clear of weeds and grass to minimise nutrient and water competition.

• Longevity: Long-lived with increasing floral displays each year as the plant matures.

• Size
  2L

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.