Magnolia stellata Royal Star

Royal Star Magnolia is a vigorous and floriferous variety of magnolia from a young age. Its blooms burst forth from the beginning of spring, before the foliage, in large white stars full of petals emerging from buds of a delightful pale silver pink. They are wider than those typical of the species, and slightly fragrant. Hardy and robust, this large shrub breathes health! It will be perfect as a standalone plant in a small garden, in a hedge, or in a large container placed in non-scorching sunlight, preferably in non-chalky soil.

Royal Star Magnolia is an American horticultural creation from Neshanic Station dating back to 1947.  The species Magnolia stellata, originating from Japan, is the earliest and most floriferous species in the Magnolia genus. It is also one of the most accommodating regarding soil and climate. The shrub shows slow growth and moderate development. 'Royal Star' is characterised by a more vigorous development, double flowers, and increased floriferousness.

The flowers of the Royal Star Magnolia, measuring 8 to 12 cm (3.1 - 4.7 in) in diameter and composed of 25 to 30 white petals, cover the entire plant sometimes as early as March (depending on the climate) before the leaves emerge. The explosion of blooms is rapid and lasts for weeks despite cool temperatures. It also offers a fairly light and subtle fragrance with vanilla and lemon notes that capture the attention of passers by. Flowering occurs in young plants as early as 18 months old. This beautiful shrub has a bushy and then spreading habit over time, but very branching. It will reach 4 metres (13 ft) in all directions, or more if the growing conditions are optimal. The leaves, 4 to 10 cm (1.6 - 3.9 in) long, develop once flowering is finished. They are alternately arranged on the branches, simple and entire, oval-shaped, medium green with a paler underside. They turn yellow in autumn, then brown before falling.

This Royal Star Magnolia, an exceptional ornamental tree, will work wonders in a modest-sized garden where it will quickly become the star in spring. It is a classic of the white garden. It is most often used as a standalone specimen in the middle of a lawn, where its remarkable flowering is very impressive, but it should be remembered that once the flowering is over it may return somewhat to anonymity. It will therefore be advantageous to combine with a mass planting of shrubs that prefer non-calcareous soils, with staggered flowering times (Camellias, Hydrangeas, Witch-hazels, Pieris, Anemone tree, Fothergilla, Winter sweet), for a Japanese-style garden. Just make sure not to place other plants within 1.50 m (5 ft) of the Magnolia trunk, as its roots cannot tolerate competition. Can also be used to create beautiful flowering hedges alongside paths, alternating with other cultivars (Magnolia grandiflora, Magnolia denudata, liliflora, brooklyniensis...). Magnolia stellata also has a great effect in a container on a terrace where you can enjoy its pleasant vanilla fragrance.

History: It was named Magnolia in 1703 by Charles Plumier, botanist to King Louis XIV, thus paying tribute to the physician-botanist Pierre Magnol (1638-1715), who was one of the directors of the Montpellier Botanical Garden at the end of the 17th century. 

Tip: Spread slug pellets at the base of the tree the year after planting, as attacks in spring are dangerous for young plants.