The Moderate to Rapid Growth Rate of Royal Star Magnolia Explained

Royal Star magnolia (Magnolia stellata ‘Royal Star’) is a beloved ornamental flowering tree prized for its early season white blooms and compact size But what exactly does “moderate to rapid growth rate” mean for this magnolia cultivar? In this article, we’ll take an in-depth look at the growth patterns of Royal Star magnolia to better understand its growth rate over time.

Royal Star magnolia is considered one of the best magnolia cultivars available, It was bred as a more compact version of star magnolia (Magnolia stellata) and is known for its cold hardiness and prolific white blooms that emerge in early spring before the leaves

The flowers are what make Royal Star so popular – they are fragrant, star-shaped, and up to 5 inches across. They cover the bare branches in a spectacle of white in early spring. The dark green foliage fills out through summer and turns a mix of yellow, orange and bronze in fall. Pink seed pods add ornamental interest as well.

Mature size is 10-15 feet tall and wide, making Royal Star magnolia perfect for smaller residential landscapes. It works well planted singly as a focal point or massed together for a taller screen. The multi-stemmed shrub form lends itself to informal and naturalized designs.

Defining Moderate to Rapid Growth Rate

When shopping for plants, growth rate is an important factor to consider. It gives you an idea of how quickly a plant will reach its mature size. Growth rate can be described as slow, moderate, or fast. Royal Star magnolia is usually categorized as having a “moderate to rapid growth rate.” But what does this mean exactly?

“Moderate” growth indicates the plant grows at a steady medium pace each year. “Rapid” means very quick, significant growth. By combining these terms “moderate to rapid growth rate” tells us Royal Star magnolia grows vigorously but not extremely fast.

To be more precise, we can expect this magnolia to grow around 1-2 feet per year when conditions are optimal. The growth rate may vary depending on climate, soil, moisture and sun exposure. Cooler climates and less than ideal conditions will result in slower growth. Warmer climates and rich soil can push growth to the upper end of the range.

Growth Rate in Juvenile Stage

Growth rates can fluctuate depending on the age and stage of development of the plant. With Royal Star magnolia, the most rapid growth occurs during the juvenile stage after planting.

A container-grown magnolia may put on 2 feet or more of new growth in the first year after planting. A balled-and-burlapped magnolia may grow around 1-1.5 feet in the first spring. For both, the rapid push of growth is due to the young plant directing energy into upward growth and increasing its size quickly.

You can expect the upper range of the moderate-rapid growth rate in the first 2-4 years after planting a Royal Star magnolia. Ideal growing conditions will maximize growth rate. Careful watering and fertilization during establishment helps promote vigorous growth.

Growth Rate Slows with Age

As Royal Star magnolia matures over 5-10 years, the growth rate gradually slows from the juvenile rapid pace. This is a natural process that indicates the tree is moving into a mature growth phase and focusing less on upward growth.

The growth rate may slow to the lower end of the range, around 1 foot per year or less. A 10-year-old magnolia likely won’t grow as quickly as a 2-year-old sapling. This slower growth is not a cause for concern – the tree is simply allocating resources differently once its structure is well-established.

Reduced growth rate in mature Royal Star magnolia can also be a factor of climate and care. Warmer zones and diligent care with water, nutrients and pruning will keep a moderately rapid rate longer. Colder climates and minimal care may cause the growth rate to decline on the lower end of average.

Ideal Growing Conditions Maximize Growth

To ensure your Royal Star magnolia grows at an optimal moderate to rapid pace, provide the right care and growing conditions:

• Soil – Well-drained loam enriched with compost. Neutral pH around 6.5-7.

• Sun – Full sun to part sun. At least 6 hours of direct sun per day. Morning sun is ideal.

• Water – Deep water 2-3 times per week for the first 2 years. Then taper to once a week, watering deeply to saturate root zone.

• Fertilizer – In early spring, apply a balanced organic fertilizer or slow-release granular fertilizer. This fuels seasonal growth.

• Pruning – Each winter, remove dead wood and shape as needed to encourage new growth.

• Climate – Ideal zone range is 5-9. Colder areas will see slower growth.

Meeting these ideal magnolia growing requirements will ensure your Royal Star puts on healthy new growth each year at a moderate to rapid pace.

Growth Rate Factors to Understand

Now that we’ve looked at the definition of “moderate to rapid growth” for Royal Star magnolia, let’s examine some of the key factors that influence the growth rate:

Age

Younger magnolias grow at the fastest rate. Growth rate gradually slows as the tree matures over 10+ years.

Climate

Warmer climates in zones 7-9 encourage faster growth. Colder climates may result in slower growth on the low end of the range.

Sun Exposure

Full sun is required for optimal growth rate. Too much shade will result in sparse, slow growth.

Soil Conditions

Rich, moist, well-drained soil encourages the fastest growth. Compact or dry soil causes slower growth.

Pruning

Regular pruning removes dead wood and shapes the canopy to promote new growth.

Watering

Ample moisture is crucial while magnolia establishes. Insufficient water results in slower growth.

Fertilization

Spring feeding provides nutrients to support rapid seasonal growth.

Root Development

A young magnolia directed energy into root growth will have slower top growth until roots establish.

As you can see, many different factors influence the growth rate of Royal Star magnolia. Being aware of these dynamics will help you understand the growth patterns of your tree.

Achieving a Full Canopy Quickly

One of the appeals of Royal Star magnolia is its oval to rounded canopy filled with shiny green leaves and seasonal flowers. If you are looking to achieve the full canopy effect quickly, here are some tips:

• Purchase the largest tree you can afford/accommodate at planting time. A 1.5-2 inch caliper tree gives you a head start.

• For quickest results, opt for a balled-and-burlapped or containerized tree rather than bare root.

• Provide ideal growing conditions as outlined above to encourage vigorous growth.

• Water religiously while the magnolia establishes to prioritize fast growth.

• Apply fertilizer in early spring and mid-summer to fuel growth during key times.

• Prune lightly in winter to shape and remove dead wood.

With the right care in the first 5 years, you can achieve the mature rounded canopy of a Royal Star magnolia in a relatively short time span. Setting the young tree up for success will be rewarded with healthy new branches and leaves each season.

Achieving Maximum Height Takes Time

While Royal Star magnolia grows at a moderate to rapid rate, reaching its maximum mature height of 15 feet still takes time. Here is a general outline of how long it takes this magnolia to reach its full height potential:

• 5 years – A well-established magnolia may stand 6 to 8 feet tall.

• 7 years – Height of 8 to 12 feet is likely for a healthy Royal Star specimen.

• 10 years – Reaches 12 to 15 feet tall at its mature height.

These time estimates are based on optimal growing conditions. Factors like soil, climate, sun exposure and care will affect the timeline. Faster height growth occurs in warmer climates with rich soil and attentive care. Cooler areas or poor conditions will slow growth.

Be patient – allowing your Royal Star magnolia to grow naturally without overpruning will bring the reward of a stunning small flowering tree that fills its space nicely.

Tracking and Predicting Growth

To get a better grasp on the growth patterns of your own Royal Star magnolia, track its new growth each year through the seasons:

• In spring, measure the height and width at its thickest points when growth begins. Mark with a tag or bright ribbon.

• In fall, measure again and calculate the number of inches/feet of new growth.

• Compare your tree’s growth to the expected rate of 1-2 feet per year. Is it growing slower or faster? Why?

• Observe where the new growth occurred – upper branches, outer edges? Was growth evenly distributed?

• Note environmental factors like weather patterns, soil amendments, irrigation, etc.

Recording this information over time will give you a custom profile of your magnolia’s growth rate. You can use it to predict patterns, troubleshoot issues, and plan for future growth. For example, if your magnolia grew 2 feet vigorously this year, you may expect similar next year. Or if your magnolia struggled in sandy, dry soil, amend and mulch to encourage better growth next season.

Achieving a Healthy, Moderate Growth Rate

The moderate to rapid growth rate is part of what makes Royal Star magnolia such as rewarding small tree to grow. You can expect eager new growth each spring that contributes to the beauty and substance of the tree. Use the guidance in this article to understand magnolia growth patterns through all life stages. Aim to provide ideal conditions, customized care and appropriate pruning. Your efforts will be rewarded with a healthy, thriving Royal Star magnolia that grows at an optimal, natural pace.