Magnolia stellata is a small tree or large shrub that will grow slowly to 5m tall and 4m wide. The star shaped white flowers with 12 – 18 narrow petals bloom in March and April. They can be planted in an acid or basic soil that is well drained, in sun or part shade, and sheltered from north and east winds. If you plant them with room to grow, pruning should be not be required, as they have a very nice natural form. Magnolias enjoy a topdressing with leaf mould, peat or compost in April, and are drought tolerant once established. The name Magnolia is from the French botanist Pierre Magnol Montpelier (1638 – 1715) and stellata meaning star shaped. Magnolia stellata is native to Japan and is hardy to -15? C This magnolia can be found at the clubhouse at Tyndall Park.  We also have planted some on our traffic islands. This is a great plant,that lets us know that it is springtime.