Star magnolia (shidekobushi) Magnolia stellata
Star magnolia (shidekobushi) (Magnolia stellata) is a deciduous perennial shrub in the Magnoliaceae family, native to Central Honshu, Japan (Ise Bay area). It grows 2.5–5 m (8.2–16 ft) tall and 3–4.5 m (10–15 ft) wide, wants full sun and moderate water, and is hardy to about -29 °C (-20 °F). Space plants about 3 m (10 ft) apart.
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Star magnolia (shidekobushi) at a glance
| Type | Perennial shrub, deciduous |
|---|---|
| Family | Magnoliaceae |
| Mature height | 2.5–5 m (8.2–16 ft) |
| Mature spread | 3–4.5 m (10–15 ft) |
| Spacing | 3 m (10 ft) centre to centre |
| Sun | Full sun, at least 5 h of direct sun a day |
| Water | Moderate; drought tolerance low, waterlogging tolerance low |
| Soil pH | 5–6.5 |
| Cold hardiness | About -29 °C (-20 °F) once established (roughly USDA zone 4) |
| Heat stress | Likely above about 32 °C (90 °F) |
| Flowering | from about March for 2–3 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones) |
| Wind tolerance | Low |
| Pollinator value | Low |
| Edible | Not grown as food |
| Native to | Central Honshu, Japan (Ise Bay area) |
| Common in gardens of | 🇯🇵 Japan, 🇬🇧 United Kingdom, 🇺🇸 United States, 🇩🇪 Germany, 🇳🇱 Netherlands, 🇫🇷 France, 🇨🇦 Canada, 🇳🇿 New Zealand, 🇦🇺 Australia |
Is Star magnolia (shidekobushi) toxic?
- People: not known to be toxic
- Cats: not known to be toxic
- Dogs: not known to be toxic
Magnolias are listed by the ASPCA as non-toxic to cats and dogs.
If a child or pet may have eaten part of a plant, call a poison centre or vet straight away.
Companion planting: what to grow with Star magnolia (shidekobushi)
No well-documented helpful pairing. Group it with plants that like full sun and moderate water.
Questions about Star magnolia (shidekobushi)
- How far apart should I plant Star magnolia (shidekobushi)?
- About 3 m (10 ft) apart, centre to centre. A mature plant spreads 3–4.5 m (10–15 ft).
- Does Star magnolia (shidekobushi) need full sun?
- Full sun: at least 5 hours of direct sun a day.
- How much water does Star magnolia (shidekobushi) need?
- Moderate water. Drought tolerance is low and waterlogging tolerance low.
- How cold-hardy is Star magnolia (shidekobushi)?
- It tolerates about -29 °C (-20 °F) once established, roughly USDA zone 4.
- When does Star magnolia (shidekobushi) flower?
- From about March for 2–3 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones).
- Is Star magnolia (shidekobushi) poisonous to cats and dogs?
- For cats it is not known to be toxic; for dogs not known to be toxic; for people not known to be toxic. Magnolias are listed by the ASPCA as non-toxic to cats and dogs.
- What grows well with Star magnolia (shidekobushi)?
- There is no well-documented companion pairing for Star magnolia (shidekobushi). Group it with plants that like the same sun (full sun) and water (moderate).
Sources and evidence
Evidence grade A (A: strong evidence).
- RHS Plant Finder, Royal Horticultural Society
- Missouri Botanical Garden Plant Finder, Missouri Botanical Garden
- ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plant List, ASPCA
Notes and assumptions
- Starry white flowers with 12–18 narrow tepals open on bare twigs in early spring; late frosts can brown them.
Reference values for planning, not horticultural, veterinary or medical advice. Varieties, soils and local climates differ: check with a local nursery or extension service.
Related plants
- Saucer magnolia Magnolia x soulangeana
- Southern magnolia Magnolia grandiflora
- Tulip tree Liriodendron tulipifera
- Yulan magnolia Magnolia denudata
- Champak Magnolia champaca
- White champaka (champi) Magnolia × alba
- Lily magnolia (mulan) Magnolia liliiflora
- Kobushi magnolia Magnolia kobus