This beautiful plant may be grown as a medium-size shrub or small tree. It has a growing range of 6 to 12 feet in height. As a tree it can be grown as a single- or multi-stemmed plant. The plants typically branch low to the ground.

The star magnolia is one of the first trees to bloom in the spring. The 3-to 4-inch fragrant flowers have about 20 straplike, snow-white petals. The delicate flowers are often at the mercy of late frosty or freezing weather. For this reason, annual flowering is not dependable. On the average the plants flower three out of every four years.

Selecting a planting site in a protected area is the best insurance for flowering. An eastern exposure would be ideal. Avoid southern exposures, because the sun causes the flower buds to open early. Low-lying areas also should be avoided.

The ideal planting site would have slightly acidic, well-drained soil that has a lot of organic matter. Full sun is preferred, but the plants will tolerate and bloom well in light shade.
Plants are available balled and burlapped or in containers.

The slow-growing star magnolia can be used as a specimen plant or as a mass shrub planting. Along with outstanding flowering, it is noted for its smooth grey bark and dark green leaves. The branching habit is strong and the plants require very little pruning.

Dick Crum is a retired horticultural agent with the Marion County Cooperative Extension office.

source :www.indystar.com