Star Magnolias are Simply Heavenly

Have you ever seen a star magnolis (Magnolia stellata) in bloom? It is certainly a heavenly sight to see. Clarksville is very fortunate to have a huge star magnolia located on Madison Street right in front of the US Post Office. If you are local and haven't noticed this splendid tree you really must make an effort to drive by the post office to view this tree. Each year this tree stands head and shoulders above all other star magnolias in town. Normally star magnolias; which are native to Japan; grow to be large shrubs or small trees. I'd call this tree more like a medium tree because it must be at least 30-40 feet tall and it probably has a spread of more than 20 feet. The flowers have a faint scent that is most pleasant.

I am not sure who initially planted this star magnolia but it is within feet of the post office proper, and is surrounded by pavement; yet it shines and grows and flourishes with no help at all from humans. Star magnolias are a unique sight to see in the spring because their blossoms are so large and so white that the tree really looks like a naked Christmas tree with whole stars hanging on the tips of the branches.

I loved these trees so much I purchased a Royal Star magnolia for my own garden in 2009. It took me about two years to realize I did not have the right conditions for it. So I dug it up and passed it along to my daughter Christine who just moved into a new house in southeastern Alabama. She tells me the star magnolia is just about ready to bloom and it is looking fantastic. I hope she'll enjoy for many years to come. Her garden has more sun and less congestion from tree roots than my garden. The fact I have shade and lots of tree roots is what I think caused the star magnolia to go into decline when it was in Tiger Gardens. Sometimes you just have to say goodbye in cases like this and pass that plant along. Nonetheless I will be able to still enjoy it when I visit and I know she'll enjoy her heavenly star magnolia while we here in Clarksville can enjoy our very own public star magnolia....


in the garden....

Words and Photos Property of In the Garden Blog Team, In the Garden

A Star of a Magnolia

From In the Garden

A new addition to Tiger Gardens in 2009 was this star magnolia, aka Magnolia stellata 'Royal Star'. This is the only magnolia I have growing here and I chose it carefully dur to its ability to grow in partial shade. It is a stunner and has a fragrance reminiscent of jasmine. It is a keeper.

I planted this magnolia in a dry shade area of the Secret Patio garden. It is flanked on either side by a ''Tamukeyama' weeping red Japanese maple. These three shrubs along with two mature oak trees provide a buffer for the secret patio. They are joined by wildflowers and a few perennials. This is a garden that pretty much has to take care of itself because it is quite a distance away from the main outdoor living area. All three small shrubs get only about three hours of sun during the midday. I think it is enough judging by the show this magnolia is putting on this year.

There is another similar type magnolia that is a favored magnolia in this area; that magnolia is a pink flowering one and is known as Magnolia soulangiana, or saucer magnolia and sometimes it is called tulip magnolia. A cultivar readily found in the big box stores is 'Jane', but there are many types available. I love this magnolia as well as the star magnolia but chose the star magnolia for its wonderful fragrance, white color and shade tolerance. Both magnolias bloom about the same time each year. Most years the bloom is outstanding but should a late freeze come along all blooms will quickly turn to mush, not a pretty sight. A protected site is beneficial for these early blooming Asian magnolias, though they are hardy from Zones 4-8.


The star magnolia will grow to about 20'x 10-15'. There are a few specimens around town and they are simply stunning and unmistakable. The largest star magnolia I know of is located at the Clarksville Post Office on Madison Street. It is a very mature specimen and probably a good 20-30' feet tall and about 15-20' around. Star magnolias are slow growers so you can only imagine how long this magnolia has been in its spot by the post office. It and all star magnolias sparkle just as a star....

in the garden....

Happy Birthday to Zachary!

Words and Photos Property of In the Garden Blog Team,

In the Garden