Why Plant Royal Star Magnolia?
Royal Star Magnolia expresses the joy we all feel at the arrival of spring. After a long winter, is there anything better than seeing (and smelling) a Magnolia tree breaking out in masses of strappy, sparkling white flowers? If you really can’t wait, you can even cut a few branches early for a vase, and the blooms will open indoors—perfuming your home with their clean, sweet scent. Royal Star’s naturally compact and bushy habit makes it a useful privacy tree for screening views during the growing season, but this tree also serves as a delightful specimen for your front yard, patio, or courtyard when “limbed up” into a more traditional tree-like form.
The Japanese Star Magnolia first graced English gardens in 1877, though it had been grown in America since 1862. (You mean we actually got hold of a new garden plant before the British?!) The selection ‘Royal Star’ came to be at the nursery of John Vermeulen & Sons in New Jersey in the 1950s. It was the offspring of an older variety, ‘Waterlily.’ The Vermeulens opened their doors in 1921, but sadly, closed them in 2013. They had introduced a total of 64 new trees and shrubs to the trade.
How to use Royal Star Magnolia in the landscape?
Just when you think spring will never arrive, you will see the spectacular display of large and very fragrant white flowers on this sensational tree. The flowers will engulf and overwhelm this small tree that will be a “star” anywhere in your landscape.
Planting Zones
Hardiness Zones: 4-8
How To Plant Royal Star Magnolia
Royal Star Magnolias are those small bare trees covered with white star-like flowers in early spring. They do best planted in areas that receive full sun and have well-drained soil. I would recommend not planting it in low-lying areas or valleys where cold air could collect causing a “frost pocket.” Royal Star Magnolias could suffer from frost damage. This Royal Star doesn’t really have any major pest problems. Soft-shell scale could be a rare occurrence but they are very easy to control.
How To Water
They require keeping the soil moist (not too wet) after initial planting. Once established, they are more tolerant of drought conditions, reducing your hand-watering responsibilities.
How To Fertilize
During fall, feed your Magnolia Bower & Branch Elements Fertilizer once a year for about the first 3 or 4 years - this will give your tree all the nutrients it needs.
How To Prune
Royal Star Magnolias bloom very early and don’t require a lot of pruning – you might not have to prune at all! But if you absolutely feel the need to prune – do so after it is done blooming.
How Does Shipping Work?
Bower & Branch Trees, the real BIG trees, don’t fit in a box! Our big trees, sizes XL and bigger, require expert delivery and care, that means our extra-large trees are shipped on Bower & Branch trucks. We are the only ones who know how to ship our big and bigger trees and plants with tender loving care. We deliver your trees and plants directly to you. Ask Bower & Branch about planting services – we'd be happy to assist in installation.
*For Big trees and Shrubs, Size XL and bigger: Review our Seasonal Shipping Timelines and Policy here.
Your trees and plants are grown across the United States at various Bower & Branch Growers. Depending on your location, your plant orders may be shipped from various locations. Please expect orders with multiple items to be delivered over a number of days as a result. Orders made up of numerous items or selections will not arrive at your home on the same day.
Shipping Delays:
From time to time, Bower & Branch Growers may determine to delay order shipment based on various factors for plant health. Weather in your region, as well as, where your plants are grown, is always considered when shipping. Extreme weather conditions may delay some or all of your order. Bower & Branch allows our Growers to make final shipping decisions based solely to benefit your trees and plants’ health and success.
How Does Sizing Work?
The size of our trees have nothing to do with the container size like you may find elsewhere–big doesn't mean just height - it’s also vigor, age, and overall health. Other online retailers are going to tell you that a plant is a seven gallon, that means nothing to your tree or plant (or you.)
Our trees for sale online are graded on large, x-large, and even bigger sizes. This is because our trees are sized by their age—the higher the letter, the more mature the tree. The age determines the trees’ overall height, size of the trunk and the overall branch density.
All of these characteristics are what you should be looking for when choosing a tree for immediate impact and instant curb appeal. Our extra-large tree and plant sizes are sure to wow you and your neighbors!
See the size guides below.
