Magnolia stellata aka Star Magnolia

Magnolia stellata, also known as the star magnolia, is a slow-growing shrub or small tree that is native to Japan and can be found growing wild on Honshū. It is closely related to the Kobushi magnolia and is sometimes treated as a variety or cultivar of that species. However, Magnolia stellata was accepted as a distinct species in 1998. The tree can grow up to 2.5m in height and 4.6m in width, with young trees displaying upright oval growth that spreads and mounds with age. It blooms at a young age, with large, showy white or pink flowers that are star-shaped and have at least 12 thin, delicate petal-like tepals, some cultivars having more than 30. The flowers appear in late winter or early spring before the leaves open and are slightly fragrant. The tree's leaves open bronze-green, turning to deep green as they mature, and yellow before dropping in autumn. Magnolia stellata is a rare houseplant that is not challenging to grow and needs regular watering to thrive. It does best in long-lasting, direct light and should be less than 1 foot from a window. The plant likes soil that is well-draining and should not need added fertilizers if it is repotted each time it doubles in size. Magnolia stellata belongs to the Magnolia genus and is native to Japan.