Gardenality.com · Gardenality Genius · Zone 8A · 10° to 15° F · Comment About Planting
Star Magnolias are easily grown in average, medium, well-drained soil in full sun to part shade. They prefer rich, organic soils. Amend heavy clay soils with organic matter. Click on the link below for planting tips.

http://www.gardenality.com/Articles/280/How-To-Info/Planting/How-To-Plant-A-Tree/default.html

Gardenality.com · Gardenality Genius · Zone 8A · 10° to 15° F · Comment About Pruning
Star magnolias can be grown as a large shrub or trained to form a small tree. As a shrub, you can remove a dead or broken branch or a stray branch that is spoiling the shape of the tree any time of year. To form a tree, in winter you can remove lower branches to desired height. This pruning is best done when the tree is young (during the first 5 years or so). To remove a lower branch, use a sharp pair of pruners to make your cut as close to the trunk or (intersecting branch) without gouging the trunk.

Gardenality.com · Gardenality Genius · Zone 8A · 10° to 15° F · Comment About Feeding
Since star magnolia prefer an acid soil, I feed mine after flowering in spring with an acid-forming fertilizer such as an Azalea, Camellia & Rhododendron Food. At planting time spread the fertilizer atop and around the rootball. As the tree grows, spread the fertilizer beneath the canopy and about 2 feet or so beyond the branch perimeter (drip line). Follow instructions on product label for amount of fertilizer to apply.

Gardenality.com · Gardenality Genius · Zone 8A · 10° to 15° F · Comment About Problems
I've seen no serious pest or disease problems on any of my star magnolias. They are exceptionally hardy and long-lived trees.