Royal Star Star Magnolia (Magnolia stellata 'Royal Star')
mag-NO-lee-ah stel-LAY-tah 'Royal Star'

Deciduous Perennial Tree in the Magnoliaceae Family
An extra-floriferous, extra-early star magnolia.
'Royal Star' is one of the most widely planted Star Magnolia cultivars, prized for being noticeably more vigorous and floriferous than the species itself. Large, pure white flowers open from soft pink buds in very early spring, well before the leaves emerge, each bloom made up of two to three dozen slender petals for an extra-full, almost double look. Like the species, it flowers earlier than almost anything else in the garden and fills the air with a light fragrance. Grows as a rounded, multi-stemmed small tree or large shrub.

Pros

  • More floriferous and faster-growing than the species
  • Extra-full, many-petaled white flowers
  • Blooms earlier than nearly anything else in the yard
  • Fragrant

Cons

  • Early flowers are vulnerable to a late spring frost
  • Dislikes dry soil, high winds, and urban pollution
  • Fleshy roots resent disturbance, so transplant with care
Highlights More vigorous and more floriferous than the species. Large, fragrant white flowers open from pink buds in very early spring, with more petals than the typical Star Magnolia for a fuller look. Reliable, widely grown cultivar with a long track record.
 

Plant Data

Mature Size 15 - 20 feet tall. 12 - 15 feet wide.
Growth Rate Moderate
Sun Exposure Partial Shade - Full Sun
Moisture Tolerance Medium
Zones 4a - 8b (Usually hardy to -30° F)
Tags Attracts Birds, Attracts Butterflies, Deciduous, Deer Resistant, Fall Color, Flowering Tree, Foundation, Fragrant Flowers, Full Sun, Good for Accents, Good for Asian Garden, Good for Cut Flowers, Good for Hedges, Medium, Most Popular, Normal Soil, Partial Shade, Partial Sun, Perennial, Showy Flowers, Specimen, Tolerant of Clay Soil, Tolerant of Moist Soil, Tree, Well-Drained Soil, Woodland Garden
Bloom Period April - May
Flower Color White
 

In The News
 

More Info from Experts

Commonly Planted with...

Pair with later-blooming shrubs or perennials that can take over the show once its brief, dramatic early bloom has passed.

Photos of This with...

Star Magnolia, Daffodil
 
Want More photos of this plant? Try Google Image Search!
 


Pricing and Availability History

Click a label to toggle visibility for that size

Past Availability
2025 : 04/03 - 06/28
2024 : 05/01 - 10/05
2023 : 05/04 - 09/30

© North Shore Plant Club 2026. Privacy Policy, Terms & Conditions.

Field-Grown vs. Greenhouse-Grown Plants

Plants which are well-adapted to our local climate are most often field-grown (outside). Field-grown plants are generally cheaper and have the advantage of already somewhat acclimated to our cold winters, but that means they’re not artificially far along in the spring and tend to bloom at the normal time in our area.

Spring annuals and tender perennials are typically grown in Greenhouses so they can be ready and luxurious exactly when customers want them. Some perennials are also “forced” into early bloom in greenhouses. In May, there can be a very big difference between field-grown and greenhouse-grown plants of the same type. The latter typically look good right away (so they’re a great choice where that’s important), but we typically pay a premium for it.


Estimated Recipe Cost

The cost of this recipe's ingredients will vary depending on the season and the sizes and varieties you select.


Benefits of Membership

Want a better way to get great plants and make your yard look awesome? Create your account below and get:

  • The best plants… from the same sources the pros use, but at near wholesale prices
  • More plants in more sizes than anywhere else… whether you’re looking for classics or rarities; annuals, perennials or shrubs; one plant or a whole yardful!
  • "No Contact" delivery or easy pick-up at a site near you without fighting the retail crowds. You choose!

Membership is free, but — since we rely on delivery and local pick-up — you have to live near one of our hubs (or be willing to drive to a site to pick them up). If you live farther away, and would like to help us bring the club to your neighbors, please email helpusgrow@northshoreplantclub.com.

Already a member?
Login
No Pricing or Availability Right Now

We order from a rotating cast of the best nurseries in the Great Lakes region. It looks like we've offered this plant in the past, but the nurseries we're working with this week don't appear to have it in stock at the moment.

Our goal is to bring as many plants together under "one roof" as possible, so we'll try hard to make it available again in the future!