What soil does Star magnolia grow in?

It tolerates these soils: average garden soil, acidic, clay.

Is Star magnolia hardy?

Hardy down to -29 °C (USDA zone 4, RHS H7). It gets through winter in every part of the country.

Is Star magnolia toxic to dogs?

No. Reliable sources list it as non-toxic to dogs.

Is Star magnolia toxic to cats?

No. Reliable sources list it as non-toxic to cats.

How far from the house should Star magnolia be planted?

Plant it at least 3.5 m from buildings. Keep it at least 1.5 m from paving.

When does Star magnolia flower?

Flowering: March–April, white, pink.

How much water does Star magnolia need?

Water need: medium. Drought tolerance: low.

Star magnolia

Magnolia stellata

Star magnolia (Magnolia stellata) is a small tree. Light: full sun, part shade. Hardy down to -29 °C. Drought tolerance: low. Non-toxic to dogs and cats. Sold in local shops from about PLN 18.

Illustration of Star magnolia — An illustration of the typical shape of the mature plant, not a photo.

What it's good for, and what it isn't

A slow, compact small tree or large shrub that covers itself in white, star-shaped, scented flowers in early spring before the leaves appear. It fits small gardens but wants acidic to neutral, humus-rich, evenly moist soil and turns yellow on lime. Give it a sheltered spot, because late frost easily ruins the early flowers.

Watch out for

The flowers open very early, so late frost often browns them. On alkaline soil the leaves turn chlorotic. In the hot, dry summers of Central Europe the foliage can scorch without watering and mulch. Scale insects appear occasionally.

Key facts

Light: Full sun, Part shade
Water need: Medium
Care: Low
Size after 10 years: 2 m × 1.5 m
Hardiness: down to -29 °C
Foliage: Deciduous
Flowering: J F M A M J J A S O N D March–April, white, pink

All details

Group	Small tree
Light	Full sun, Part shade
Size after 10 years	2 m × 1.5 m
Ultimate size	4.5–6 m × 3–4.5 m
Hardiness	down to -29 °C (USDA 4, RHS H7)
Soil	Average garden soil, Acidic, Clay
Foliage	Deciduous
Flowering	March–April, white, pink
Water need	Medium
Drought tolerance	Low
Maintenance	Low
Root aggressiveness	Low
Suckering	no
Spreading	Low
Distance from buildings	at least 3.5 m
Distance from paving	at least 1.5 m
Litter	not typical
Planting distance	250 cm
For dogs	Non-toxic
For cats	Non-toxic
For children	Non-toxic (uncertain)
Typical price	from about PLN 18

Toxicity data is for information only. If your pet or child has eaten a plant, contact a vet or a doctor.

Sizes and prices available

The same plant is sold as a small pot and as a specimen several metres tall, and the price follows. Prices are rounded and for guidance only.

Size	Typical price
size not stated	approx. PLN 18

Frequently asked questions

Data updated: October 17, 2026 · How our data is made

Appears in these lists

Plants that are non-toxic to dogs Plants that are non-toxic to cats Small ornamental trees Small trees for beside paths and paving Plants for containers Fragrant plants

Looks good next to it

Lenten rose

Helleborus orientalis

Red barrenwort

Epimedium × rubrum

New Zealand hair sedge

Carex comans