Light Needs
Mature Height
Mature Spread
Growing Zones
Like all other Magnolia shrubs, the Royal Star Magnolia is one of the first plants to welcome spring. Pink buds give way to dazzling, star-shaped, white flowers that bloom in early spring before this shrub even sets leaves. The stunning double blooms are fragrant and attract butterflies. By the time the flowers fade, this dwarf tree will be covered in medium-green, elliptical-shaped leaves that will stay in place throughout the summer.
Royal Star Magnolia is a multi-stemmed, deciduous, dwarf tree with an upright growth habit. Plant this Magnolia in a perennial bed, border, or mass planting for the biggest impact. It makes a great focal point and provides visual interest in early spring. Grow the Royal Star Magnolia as a perennial in USDA zones 4 through 8.
Royal Star Magnolia Care
This tree needs full sun to partial shade to grow well. The ideal area will receive at least 4 to 6 hours of direct sunlight per day. It prefers rich, moist, well-drained, and slightly acidic soil. Water this tree consistently for the first growing season and thereafter every week or two once established.
Feed this Magnolia starting in the second growing season. Use a balanced fertilizer every two months, beginning in the spring. Prune the plant to create a desirable shape after the flowers fall away.
Royal Star Magnolia Spacing
The Royal Star Magnolia is a lovely dwarf tree that will reach 12 to 20 feet tall and 12 to 18 feet wide. Space plants 10 to 12 feet apart when creating a dense planting.
Royal Star Magnolia Plant Facts
Growing Conditions
- Hardiness ZonesGrowing Zones
- USDA Zones 4 to 8 (perennial); grown as an annual elsewhere (outdoors year-round); grown indoors elsewhere (outdoors year-round); grown in containers elsewhere (grown as a seasonal crop)
- Sun Exposure
- Part Sun to Full Sun (5+ Hours Direct Sun)
- Mature Height
- 12-20 Feet
- Mature Spread
- 12-18 Feet
- Growth Rate
- Slow
- Growth Habit
- , Upright
- Water Needs
- Average
Flowers & Foliage
- Flower Colors
- , White
- Flower Description
- Pure white, sometimes a pale pink blush
- Bloom Time
- Early Spring
- Blooms On
-
Old Wood
?
"Blooms on" tells you which stems produce flowers, which decides when it's safe to prune.
- New Wood: Flowers form on stems that grow this season. Prune in late winter or early spring without losing blooms.
- Old Wood: Flower buds form on last year's stems. Prune right after flowering. Pruning in fall or early spring removes next year's blooms.
- Both New and Old Wood: Blooms on last year's stems and again on new growth, so it flowers even after a hard winter or a mistimed pruning. Prune lightly after the first flush of blooms.
- When to Prune
- Right after flowering
- Foliage Color
- , Green
- Foliage Description
- Green
- Foliage Type
- , Deciduous
- Seasonal Interest
- , Summer Flowering, 3 Season Interest, Spring Flowering
Garden Benefits
Plant Overview
- Common Name
- Royal Star Magnolia
- Also Known As
- Royal Star Magnolia
- Botanical Name
- Magnolia stellata 'Royal Star'
- Plant Type
- Tree
Simple Plant Spacing Calculator
Please Note: The pictures below are to give a general representation of the different container sizes. The actual size/ages of plants are estimates and will vary based on type of plant, time of year, last pruning & many other factors.
Also Known As:
Quart
Plant Age:
~ 6 months - 1 year
Plant Size:
~ 4"-8"
Pot Size:
~ 4.75"H x 4.5"W
Volume:
1.50 quarts
Also Known As:
2.5 Quart Pot
Plant Age:
~ 1 - 2 years old
Plant Size:
~ 8"-12"
Pot Size:
~ 6.5"H x 6.5"W
Volume:
2.20-2.30 quarts
Also Known As:
#1 Container
1 Gallon
Plant Age:
~ 1 - 2 years old
Plant Size:
~ 10"-14"
Pot Size:
~ 7"H x 7.75"W
Volume:
2.26-3.73 quarts
Also Known As:
#2 Container
2 Gallon
Plant Age:
~ 1.5 - 3 years old
Plant Size:
~ 12"-18"
Pot Size:
~ 9.5"H x 9.5"W
Volume:
1.19-1.76 gallons
Also Known As:
#3 Container
3 Gallon
Plant Age:
~ 2 - 4 years old
Plant Size:
~ 12"-30"
Pot Size:
~9.5"H x 11"W
Volume:
2.32-2.76 gallons
Also Known As:
#5 Container
5 Gallon
Plant Age:
~3-4 years old
Plant Size:
~ 20" - 60"
Pot Size:
~11" H x 10 1/2” W
Volume:
3.5 - 4 gallons
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We want your plants to arrive in great condition! If you notice any issues upon delivery, contact us within 3 days.
Starting January 1, 2026 all bushes, perennials & trees purchased come with an extended 1-year warranty for added confidence. If your plant dies due to a health issue within a year, we’ll make it right.
Plants that are currently in stock typically ship within 2-7 business days after your order is placed.
Plant Addicts ships to the lower 48 states within the U.S. Unfortunately, we do not currently ship to Alaska, Hawaii, or internationally.
This plant cannot be shipped to the following states: AK, HI. These restrictions apply only to this specific plant due to agricultural regulations or other limitations. Other plants may still be available for shipping to these states.
If you have any questions about shipping restrictions, feel free to reach out to our team!