Star Magnolia for Early Spring Flowers

Star Magnolia, Magnolia stellata, is one of the earliest plants to flower each year. It is a slow-growing, short tree (25 feet or less) or large shrub, typically multi-stemmed. The white blooms appear in February or March, and can be damaged by frosts and freezes. Site them carefully, avoiding windy locations and sites with southern exposure that can lead to earlier flowering and worsen cold damage. They can also be grown in a large container. They prefer to be planted in spring rather than autumn.

Star Magnolia tolerates some shade but will flower best when grown in full sun and in moist, neutral to acidic soil. It tolerates heat but not excessively dry or constantly wet soils, and can be grown in zones 4 through 8. Leaves turn yellow in autumn before they drop.

While Magnolia stellata is overlooked in favor of its showier cousins, Magnolia soulangeana and Magnolia grandiflora, its small size makes it easy to incorporate into foundation plantings. It makes a good specimen, especially when backed by evergreen shrubs that will highlight the pure white flowers and the smooth, light gray bark. Several pale pink cultivars are available. 

Star Magnolia is rarely bothered by insects or diseases.

The pure white flowers of Magnolia stellata appear before leaves.

A mature, tree-form Magnolia stellata in flower.

Tulip Magnolias - Harbinger of Spring

Magnolia soulangeana, commonly called “Saucer Magnolia” or “Tulip Magnolia” has been in glorious full bloom in the Mary Snoddy garden the past three weeks. This deciduous tree draws attention because the large purple and white blooms appear in very early spring before its leaves emerge. Unfortunately, the delicate petals are blasted by late freezes some years, leaving them an ugly, wilted brown.  The leaves emerge later and are rarely impacted by cold weather. There is little to no fall color.

Saucer magnolias branch low and, in my opinion, are prettiest if they are allowed to keep those lower branches.  The bark is attractive, but trees appear somewhat top heavy when limbed up. Trees reach 20 to 30 feet tall; mature widths vary. They grow in zones 5 to 9, and are tolerant of different soil types.

There are many different cultivars available. Bloom colors vary from pink to deep purple. There are variations in petal shape, too. Buy trees when they are in bloom to be positive on color.

If you have a choice, try to plant your specimen in a cool spot in your garden rather than a protected, warm microclimate that may spur early bloom. Be on the lookout for deer – They think the tender leaves are extra tasty.