Overview
Star Magnolia Bonsai (Magnolia stellata) is a early flowering deciduous shrub with white star-shaped flowers before leaves emerge. It is best suited to flowering bonsai, clump and informal upright styles. For UK growers, treat it as: Outdoor.
Placement
full sun to partial shade, sheltered from late frost and wind
Watering
keep evenly moist, especially during bud formation
Feeding and fertilising
feed after flowering and through summer
Pruning and wiring
prune after flowering; avoid heavy late pruning that removes next year’s buds
Repotting
repot every 2-3 years in spring after flowering
Propagation
layering, grafting or cuttings with care
Pests, diseases and common issues
late frost damage to flowers, scale, chlorosis and coarse growth if overfed