But, for those who think star magnolias are all about spring, think again. The little trees offer fall and winter interest as well. In autumn, the foliage turns yellow and then bronze, beautifully complementing other fall colors.
General: Pyramidal when young, maturing to a broad rounded tree with massive spreading branches. Grows 50-80’.
Leaves: Alternate and simple 4-10” long. Dark green in the summer with an ashy brown fall color.
Bark: Smooth gray brown becoming ridged and furrowed with age.
Flowers: Greenish yellow petals 2 to 3” long in two sets of three. Slightly fragrant and often sit high in the tree. May to June, following leaf emergence.
Fruit: Warty and cucumber like, 2 to 3” long, pinkish red and maturing in October.
Culture
Hardiness: Zones 3-8.
Growing Conditions: Perfers moist, organically rich, well drained loams in full sun. Does not tolerate drought or pollution.
Maintenance: No serious issues with insects or diseases. Can get magnolia scale.
Transplanting: Trees have fleshy roots without root hairs making transplanting difficult. Great care must be taken to be sure the tree is transplanted in the early spring to a location where cultural needs will be met.