This twiggy multi branched deciduous shrub is upright and forms a rounded crown. It has dark green oblong leaves and the large white fragrant star-shaped flowers appear solitary during late winter.

Hardiness zones 5 to 9

Magnolia stellata is naturally found in Japan growing in Honshu along riverbanks and in woodlands in mountainous regions.

It prefers a organic rich well-drained fertile moist soil in a wind protected sunny position and is drought tender and late frosts damage the flowers.

The Star Magnolia is grown for its flowers and its compact habit. It is planted in small gardens as a specimen or used along borders in large gardens and parks for its floral display and as a summer screen. It is also planted in Japanese gardens and establishing in 3 to 5 years and is long lived. It may be trimmed to form an informal hedge and is suitable for coastal and low-mountains regions and is moderately deer resistant. ID 39

Magnolia(măg-NOL-ee-a) stellata(ste-LAH-ta)

'Magnolia': after a Director of the Montpellier Botanic Gardens, Professor Pierre Magnol; 'stellata': a star (referring to the shape of the flowers).

Magnoliaceae(mag-NOL-ee-AY-see-ee)