Royal Star Magnolia Shrub

Magnolia stellata 'Royal Star'

Nature Hills Nursery

Royal Star Magnolia Blooms Later than Other Star Magnolia Varieties, Avoiding Damaging Late Frosts
Cold Hardy: Thrives in Zones 4-9
Grows 10-20 ft Tall, 10-15 ft Wide
Showy White Blooms in Early Spring
Top Pick for Hedge or Foundation Planting

$70⁵⁹ $100⁹⁰

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Plant Size

#3 Container Shrub Form

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Planting & Care

Where to Plant

Sunlight: Provide at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily to ensure vigorous blooming and to help keep the foliage dry. While this variety tolerates partial shade, too much shade can lead to leggy stems and an increased risk of powdery mildew.
Soil: These plants thrive in rich, organic soil that remains consistently moist but drains well. If you are working with heavy clay or fast-draining sand, mix in plenty of compost to improve soil texture and moisture retention.

Watering Requirements

Keep the soil consistently moist, as Monarda didyma varieties like Raspberry Wine are not drought-tolerant and will stress quickly if allowed to dry out. Consistent moisture is actually your best defense against powdery mildew, which attacks stressed plants. Apply a layer of mulch around the base to lock in moisture and keep the roots cool during the heat of summer.

Pruning Tips

Remove spent flower heads immediately after the first flush of blooms fades to encourage a potential second show of color later in the season. Since this is an herbaceous perennial, you should cut the stems down to about 2 inches above the soil line in late fall after a hard frost. Removing this old foliage is crucial for sanitation and helps prevent fungal spores from overwintering.

Fertilizer Needs

Apply a balanced, slow-release garden fertilizer or a top dressing of compost in early spring when you see new growth emerging. Avoid high-nitrogen fertilizers, particularly late in the season, as they promote lush, leafy growth that weakens the plant's structure and reduces flower production.

Delivery and Shipping

Preorder Shipping Schedule

We ship your plants when it's safe to transport them to your zone. Dates are estimated and subject to weather delays.

Zone 3-4	Week of March 30th
Zone 5	Week of March 16th
Zone 6-12	Week of March 2nd

Shipping Rates

Ships in 7-10 business days • Tracking provided • Weather protected

Under $50	$9.99
$50 - $99.99	$14.99
$100 - $149.99	$16.99
$150 - $198.99	$24.99
$199+	FREE

✓ Zone-specific timing • ✓ Professional packaging • ✓ Health guarantee

Understanding Our Container Sizes

At Nature Hills, our plants are sold in industry-standard nursery containers. You will notice we use the word "container" rather than "gallon." Container numbers follow a nursery trade size standard, not liquid volume. The number tells you the plant's size category and general maturity level. A larger container means a more established plant with a stronger root system.

Container Sizes

Quart

Plant age: 6 months to 1 year
Best for: Ground covers, perennials, ornamental grasses
What to expect: Our smallest and most affordable size. Well-suited for planting in multiples across a large area. Allow 1 to 2 seasons for full establishment.

#1 Container

Plant age: 1 to 2 years
Best for: Shrubs, perennials, smaller trees
What to expect: About the size of a large coffee can. A well-developed root system in a manageable size. Good value choice when you have time to let the plant grow into the space over a season or two.

#2 Container

Plant age: 2 to 3 years
Best for: Shrubs and trees where you want faster establishment
What to expect: A noticeable step up from a #1 in both plant size and root development. Good choice when you want visible presence without going to a larger size.

#3 Container

Plant age: 3 to 4 years
Best for: Most plants, most situations — flowering trees, shade trees, evergreen shrubs
What to expect: Our most popular size. Strong, developed root system. Plants in a #3 container make an immediate visual impact from day one. If you want a head start rather than waiting seasons for a plant to fill in, this is typically the right choice.

#5 Container and Larger

Plant age: 4 to 5+ years
Best for: Specimen plants, privacy screens, maximum instant impact
What to expect: Large, mature plants ready to make an immediate statement in your landscape. We also carry #7 and larger sizes for select varieties.

Why "Container" and Not "Gallon"?

Nursery container sizes follow an industry trade standard established for the nursery and horticulture industry. The number is a size designation, not a measurement of liquid volume. Actual soil volume varies by plant type, root mass, and growing medium. Using "container" is the accurate industry term. When you see #1, #2, or #3, think of it as the plant's size tier, not a gallon measurement.

Root Pouch Containers

Some Nature Hills plants arrive in a Root Pouch, a breathable fabric container made from 100% recycled materials. Root Pouches encourage denser root development through air pruning, which discourages root circling and promotes a stronger, more fibrous root ball at the time of planting.

Plants growing in Root Pouch fabric containers, showing the breathable woven fabric construction

There are two types. Knowing which one you have changes how you plant:

Degradable (brown or tan fabric): Plant the entire pouch directly in the ground. The fabric breaks down naturally in the soil over time.
Non-degradable (black or gray fabric): Remove the pouch before planting. Cut the bottom open with scissors, then peel the sides away. The fibrous root ball will hold its shape.

Not sure which type you have? Check the tag on your plant or contact us and we will confirm.

Full Root Pouch planting guide

Choosing the Right Size

Size	Plant Age	Best For
Quart	6 mo to 1 yr	Ground covers, perennials, grasses. Budget-friendly for mass plantings.
#1 Container	1 to 2 yrs	Shrubs, perennials, small trees. Value choice for patient gardeners.
#2 Container	2 to 3 yrs	Shrubs and trees where you want faster establishment.
#3 Container	3 to 4 yrs	Most plants. Immediate visual impact. Our most popular size.
#5 and larger	4+ yrs	Specimen plants, privacy screens, maximum instant impact.

Still not sure which size is right for your project? Our plant specialists are happy to help. Contact us and we will point you in the right direction.

Highly Desirable Ornamental Royal Star Magnolia Shrub

Fragrant White Flowers in Early Spring
Use as a Shrub or Small Tree
Lovely, Glossy Dark Green Foliage
Excellent Form
Pest and Disease Resistant
Blooms Later to Resist Frost Damage
Winner of the Prestigious 'Award of Garden Merit' from the Royal Horticultural Society
Full Sun or Partial Shade
Later Bloom Time to Avoid Late Frost

For discerning gardeners who want to stand out a bit from the pack, Royal Star Magnolia (Magnolia stellata 'Royal Star') offers a special charm unlike any other. The unique flowers draw the eye of everyone who sees them.

Forgive us for waxing poetic, but these blooms look like a starburst of pristine white ribbons surrounding a tiny glowing sun. Each 4-inch long double bloom is comprised of 25 - 30 long, strappy petals surrounding a pale yellow center.

They liberally cover the shrub on branches bare of leaves - a display that is sure to be the envy of your neighborhood!

With larger, star-shaped flowers, this prize-winning cultivar is particularly sought after. They also bloom a bit later than others, which helps it resist frost damage in cold-winter hardiness zones 4 - 6.

Royal Star Magnolia is known for its attractive form and large oblong leaves. This ornamental, deciduous shrub creates an outstanding specimen in your yard.

Use Royal Star Magnolia as either a small tree or a large shrub. It becomes a wonderful focal point for your Spring Garden.

It is clear to see why the Royal Star Magnolia is such a popular Magnolia cultivar. Larger and later blooms, in addition to all the other stellar qualities of a Magnolia, make this a must-have for any landscape. Order today!

How to Use Royal Star Magnolia in the Landscape

Royal Star is a superb flowering privacy shrub for many landscape applications. It is a perfect specimen plant to anchor a foundation planting. Place it at least 10 feet from your house, so you can easily access the exterior, even when the shrub is mature.

Angle it out from the corner to accent your home's architecture or use it closer to the picture window to provide a bit of screening. That's especially true if you have a picture window to study the early spring flower show from inside your snug and warm home.

Use 3 to 5 Star Magnolias in a berm or lawn planting. Plant them in a loose zig-zag and vary the spacing - from 10 - 25 feet apart - to create a wonderful, natural woodland look. If you want each to shine as an individual, give them at least 20 feet between their neighbor.

This plant is also great on the edge of a woodland garden. It looks fantastic when planted next to a pond or waterway. Mix in groups with other Magnolias or flowering bushes and shrubs to create a naturalized planting.

Royal Star is extremely versatile. Lower branches can be pruned up into a high canopy, single-trunk flowering tree, or grown as a pretty and effective privacy screen. Use the medium growth rate Star Magnolia as a go-between among shelterbelts of slower and fast-growing shrubs.

Keep it unpruned to use as a low-maintenance, large shrub. Plant them 8 feet apart (measuring from the center of one to the center of the next.) Allow them to fill in naturally to create a marvelous freeform "friendly fence" hedge along your property line. It will wow your neighbors every spring!

Another way to use this special kind of hedge is within your own landscape. Create a secret garden room with walls made out of Royal Star Magnolia. Give yourself a little space of your own to get lost in.

People love Meditation Gardens, outdoor Yoga studios, or just a comfy cottage garden to cozy up with a good book and a small pitcher of your favorite adult beverage - especially with the presence of one of these fragrant Royal Star Magnolias!

#ProPlantTips for Care

Adaptable throughout USDA hardiness zones 4 through 9, the Royal Star Magnolia grows in either full sun or part shade. It requires well-drained soil. If you see puddles that remain after a rain in the area you want to plant them, just mound up. Add additional soil in a mounded heap 18 - 24 inches above your soil. You'll plant directly into the mound.

It loves organically rich, well-drained soil, even tolerating well-drained clay soil. In warm, dry climates, you'll ideally want to check your soil pH and amend as needed to reach between 6 - 7. In areas with higher pH, plant where it will receive morning sun and give protection from the hot afternoon sun. Fertilize yearly with Dr. Earth Acid Lovers Premium Fertilizer to help maintain proper pH.

Give it a nice layer of mulch 3 to 4 inches deep and spread it to 3 feet outside of the canopy of the shrub. Please don't let the mulch touch the trunk.

This deciduous Magnolia tree Royal Star is sold as a shrub form. It has no serious disease or pest problems and requires little pruning to get its great structure. It's amenable to any pruning in late winter or early spring, should you choose to provide it. Limb it up and create a small flowering specimen tree by exposing the multi-trunk form.

Water carefully at the start. You don't want to overwater, but you shouldn't let it dry out. The best way to see if your new plant needs water is by poking your finger in the ground. If it's getting dry, give it a nice long drink. If it's moist, no need to add any more water.

Even after they are established in your soil, baby it a bit. Magnolias loves the warm weather but needs a drink when it starts to get dry, especially in hot climates.

You'll be happy to provide that tender loving care to this wonderful shrub. Order today and get started with your new love affair!

Botanical Name

Magnolia stellata 'Royal Star'
Class

Magnoliopsida
Species

stellata
Cultivar

Royal Star
Growing Zones

4-9
Height

10-20 ft
Width

10-15 ft
Sunlight

Full sun
Growth Rate

Moderate
Flower Color

White
Leaf Color

Green
Fall Color

Yellow
Fragrant

Yes
Bloom Period

Early Spring
Does Not Ship To

AK, HI, ID, MT, PR

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Growing Zones 4-9

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Frequently Asked Questions

How big does a magnolia bush get?

Royal Star Magnolia typically reaches 10-15 feet tall and wide at maturity. This deciduous shrub grows slowly and can be maintained as either a large shrub or small tree depending on your pruning. Plant it at least 10 feet from structures to allow proper spacing.

Is there a magnolia bush?

Yes, magnolias grow as shrubs or small trees. Royal Star Magnolia is an excellent shrub form, reaching mature size with 4-inch fragrant white blooms in early spring. It thrives in zones 4-6 and blooms later to avoid frost damage. Shop magnolia shrubs at naturehills.com.

How to trim magnolia bush?

Magnolias heal slowly and bleed sap heavily, so prune only when necessary immediately after flowering ends in late spring. Remove dead, damaged, or crossing branches with clean, sharp tools. For Royal Star Magnolia, focus on maintaining its natural form rather than heavy shaping.

What planting zones is the Royal Star Magnolia hardy in?

Royal Star Magnolia is hardy in zones 4-8, thriving in both cold and moderate climates. Its later bloom time specifically helps it resist frost damage in the colder zones 4-6. Plant in full sun to partial shade for best flowering performance.

What type of soil does the Royal Star Magnolia need to thrive?

Royal Star Magnolia thrives in well-draining, slightly acidic to neutral soil with consistent moisture. This adaptable shrub tolerates various soil types but performs best in rich, organic matter-amended ground. Avoid waterlogged conditions which can damage roots. Find quality Royal Star Magnolia plants at naturehills.com.

How often should I water my newly planted Royal Star Magnolia?

Water newly planted Royal Star Magnolia deeply twice weekly for the first growing season. These hardy shrubs (zones 4-6) need consistent moisture to establish their root system before their early spring bloom period. Check soil moisture 2 inches down and water when dry.

Is the Royal Star Magnolia deer resistant?

Royal Star Magnolia is not typically deer resistant, as deer often browse magnolia buds and young shoots. However, the shrub's later bloom time in zones 4-6 means flowers may escape early spring deer pressure when food is scarce. Plant it closer to high-traffic areas or use deer deterrents if browsing is a concern in your area.

Does the Royal Star Magnolia need any special winter protection in colder zones?

Royal Star Magnolia is hardy in zones 4-6 and doesn't require special winter protection in these zones. Its later bloom time naturally helps it resist frost damage that can harm earlier-blooming magnolias. Simply ensure good drainage and avoid exposed, windy locations.