Magnolia stellata (common names: Star magnolia)

Hi Teresa I found you question in the plant section and tried to answer there.
http://www.growsonyou.com/plant/Magnolia_stellata

Don't know if it will help but the webpage in the reply might. Good luck

Magnolia stellata is compact in youth but eventually will reach about 10 feet tall and 12 feet wide. Now you know what you're up against, you can make an informed decision as to what to do. In general, magnolias resent root disturbance but spring would be the best time if you have absolutely have to move it

Unfortunately, magnolias often regrow with very long straight growth that spoils the overall shape. Good luck.

Magnolias absolutely HATE root disturbance. I would be inclined to use something biodegradable and plant that so the roots can grow through it. And do it just as growth is beginning for the new season

Hi Liz cant think of an occassion when seen Magnolia growing in shade.Almost always in open aspect with as much sun as possible.Most appear to enjoy a spot on their own with no immediate competition not too fussy about soil types but need good drainage.

My Mag stell is in sun for most of the day, but I think they like to have shade at the roots - mine has a path built over the roots and seems to like it that way!

Magnolias really resent root disturbance. If you have to move it, early spring is your best chance of a successful transplanting

I would suggest moving it late Autumn ,If it has only been in situ. for 2 years you should be able to dig well away from the roots and get a good removal without too much disturbance, but be careful water well before starting and puddle in afterwards.

I have a stellata which flowers. I have it in west facing sunny position sheltered from wind and planted in pot in ericaceous (acid) soil. I have heard they dont like cold winds and dont like to be east facing as they dont like sun to hit them in frost. And they like acid soil. Good luck with your stellata.

just to say i looked up magnolias on bbc gardening and it says although most magnolias prefer slightly acidic soil stellata is ok in alkaline. However i have put mine in acid as thats what it said on pot and it seems to be happy.

Think this a bit of a myth Hedgehog as used to live on edge of Chiltern hills in south UK and high in chalk - alkaline conditions and Magnolias far more common than here in north - acidic conitions.There is a climbing magnolia that can reach 40 feet or more and seen this growing out of chalk soil.

I tried twice to grow this in my garden, and I thought that I did all the right things but they just died and I wondered if they didn't like the soil.

I'm afraid I didn't succeed with one, either. My soil is neutral loam. I think they prefer a more acid soil. I had one in Kent on clay and it flourished!

I found your question whilst searching for information about why my M.stellata has just decided to die. Mine is (was?) over 20 years old, growing in semishade in a fairly good, slightly alkaline, loam. It flowered well, as usual, this year - a bit of frost damage to the flowers but nothing untoward - then in early June it started to look sickly and now looks on its last legs. I suspect drought - we're on the NW coast and the spring was very dry - no real rain for six weeks. It apparently comes from a boggy area of Honshu so probably doesn't like drying out. Whether it will come back now it has started to rain in earnest? I've mulched it with garden compost. If it looks like recovering I'll post another message. We also have lost a Cornus capitata which often got drought stressed so lack of water must be a prime suspect.