One of the first trees to flower is a favorite of ours – Royal Star Magnolia. As you can see it’s a low-branching tree that will slowly grow 15′ high x 20′ wide. Have a smaller property to landscape? This should be on your list – the winter silhouette is interesting and the large gray velvet flower buds are an early sign of what’s to come. Great for foundation plantings and mixed borders and worthy as a single specimen or accent plant.

Plant in moist, fertile soil in a full sun to partial shade site that’s protected from extreme wind. It needs at least 6-8 hours of direct sun and needs to be protected from harsh winter winds. The large, showy flowers open from soft pink buds quite early, weather dependent of course. Royal Star is one that flowers later than the species so this is the best cultivar if you’re worried about any late frosts that might blast the flowers. The leaves are dark green in summer and turn yellow to bronze in fall. It’s a native of Japan and is hardy from Zones 4-9.

We currently have very good availability on Magnolias – many varieties to choose from – call for pricing.