Magnolia stellata, commonly known as the star magnolia, is a deciduous flowering shrub or small tree native to Japan. It belongs to the Magnoliaceae family and is renowned for its beautiful, star-shaped flowers.
The star magnolia typically grows to a height of around 2 to 4 meters (6 to 12 feet) tall and has a rounded or spreading habit. It has smooth, gray bark and oval-shaped, mid-green leaves that turn yellow in autumn before falling.
One of the most striking features of the star magnolia is its flowers, which appear in early spring before the leaves emerge. The fragrant flowers have slender, strap-like petals that radiate outward, giving them a star-like appearance. They are typically white or pale pink in color and can cover the branches, creating a stunning display.
Star magnolias are popular ornamental plants in gardens and landscapes due to their early bloom, attractive flowers, and compact size. They prefer moist, well-drained soil and full sun to partial shade. Hardy in zones 5 to 9.

Growing Instructions for the Star Magnolia

The seeds have a period of dormancy and need to be cold stratified to break their dormancy. The seeds are stored in a refrigerator so they have already been stratified. The seeds need to be planted when received or stored in a refrigerator until they are planted. 1. Scarify the seeds by nicking or sanding the seed coat. The seeds can be sanded with sandpaper, a nail file or an emery board. 2. Soak the seed in water for several hours. 3. Place the seeds in a plastic bag and seal it. Store the bag in a refrigerator for two months. 4. Fill a pot with potting soil. Use a pot that has drainage holes in the base. 5. Sow the seeds on the soil and cover them with a thin layer of soil. 6. Water the container and leave it to drain. 7. Put the pot in a warm, sunny area. 8. Water the pot regularly so that the soil is moist but not wet. 9. The seedlings can be transplanted when they are a few inches tall.