SCIENTIFIC NAME: Magnolia stellata 'Royal Star'

COMMON NAME: Royal Star Magnolia

GARDEN SIZE: 10 to 15 feet tall by 10 to 12 feet wide

GROWTH RATE: Moderate

USDA ZONE: 4 to 9

EXPOSURE: Full sun; shelter from harsh winter winds

WATER & SOIL: Evenly moist, well-drained, nutrient-rich loam; adaptable but prefers deep, fertile soils

HABIT (FORM): Upright habit; open-branched, multi-trunked shrub or small specimen tree

FOLIAGE: Deciduous; dark green

FLOWERS: Large, fragrant, white double blooms appearing before foliage; early to mid-spring

PLANT ORIGIN: Japan

WILDLIFE SUPPORT: May provide some nesting sites and shelter for birds and small mammals, but does not serve as much of a host for local insects and wildlife. May provide food for insects in the spring.

FERTILIZING: Feed in early spring with organic compost before new growth; maintain organic mulch for moisture retention

PRUNING: Light shaping after flowering; protect from late frost damage

TOXICITY FLAGS: Non-toxic to cats and dogs

USES: Specimen tree