Star Magnolia

About this plant

Magnolia stellata 'Royal Star' is a cherished small ornamental tree, celebrated for its exquisite early spring display. Long, slender buds, often tinged with pink, unfurl into delicate, multi-petaled, pure white flowers that resemble tiny stars. These fragrant blossoms appear on bare branches, creating a breathtaking visual impact and signaling the end of winter. This cultivar offers a slightly more vigorous habit and larger flowers than the species, making it a standout choice for smaller gardens, foundation plantings, or as a graceful specimen tree. Its compact, rounded form and attractive green foliage that follows the blooms provide season-long interest. 'Royal Star' is also renowned for its cold hardiness, ensuring reliable performance in temperate climates. Ideal for adding early season charm and a touch of elegance, the Star Magnolia 'Royal Star' is a must-have for those who appreciate delicate beauty and fragrant displays. Plant it where its early bloom can be fully appreciated, perhaps near a patio or entryway.

Installation timing

When we're in season, outside of the winter months, our goal is to get your plants installed within about two weeks. That window gives us enough time to secure your plants from our supplier and find a spot on the schedule. Throughout the process we stay in touch through notifications and your existing client portal on the main A Cut Above website, which is separate from this landscaping plants shop.

Care & maintenance

Plant in well-drained, acidic to neutral soil. Protect from strong winds which can damage delicate early blooms. Mulch around the base to conserve moisture and regulate soil temperature. Prune only to remove dead, damaged, or crossing branches immediately after flowering to avoid sacrificing next year's blossoms. Avoid heavy pruning.

Watering suggestions

Proper watering is the single most important factor in your plant's survival after installation. Newly installed plants have a limited root system and rely on you for consistent moisture while they establish.

• First 2 weeks: Water deeply every day (or every other day in cooler, wet weather), soaking the root ball and surrounding soil.
• Weeks 3–12: Water deeply 2–3 times per week, adjusting for rain, heat, and soil drainage.
• After establishment: Water deeply about once a week during the growing season, and more often in extreme heat or drought.
• How to check: Stick a finger 2–3 inches into the soil near the roots — if it's dry, it's time to water. Deep, less-frequent watering encourages strong roots; shallow daily sprinkles do not.
• Avoid: Overwatering (soggy, waterlogged soil) is just as harmful as underwatering and can drown roots.

Watering needs vary by plant, season, soil, and exposure. Because proper watering is the customer's responsibility after installation, please make sure you understand and can follow these suggestions before ordering.

Good to know: plants and trees purchased from and installed by A Cut Above include a one-year limited warranty from the date of installation. Because plant survival depends heavily on proper watering and care after installation, losses caused by improper care, neglect, animal or chemical damage, or extreme weather are not covered, and we must be given the chance to inspect a struggling plant before it's removed or replaced. Coverage is one replacement per plant. Read our warranty info.