The magnolia is a real asset to the garden and beautifies it every spring with its magnificent blossoms. Some varieties don't bloom until March and are therefore considered harbingers of spring. The early blooms are beautiful, but the threat of late frosts can quickly make us worry. But is there anything you can do to protect the magnolia from frost? Below we explain what you can do to prevent damage to magnolia flowers and buds from late frost.
Late frost expected: what now?
We enjoyed the beautiful spring weather for a few weeks, but snow and frost are expected again shortly. The sudden change in the weather and the return of winter can not only spoil our mood, but also cause major damage to the garden. Plants that are not hardy can suffer from significant frost damage, even leading to...Drying out of the plantcan lead. Trees and plants that have already begun to bloom can also suffer from late frost.
As an early bloomer, the magnolia is particularly at risk and you have to do a lot if you want to save the flowers and buds.
This is how you can protect the magnolia from frost
The measures you should take depend largely on the extent to which the magnolia flower has already developed. If the buds are still closed, you can try, for example, to delay the emergence of the flowers. To do this, you can apply a layer of mulch. Another option would be to protect the plant from frost with fleece or blankets.
Mulch the root area
Mulch is a great way to protect plants in the garden and on the patioto protect against frost. The sooner you mulch the root area, the better the plants are protected. Magnolias have shallow roots and can benefit from a layer of mulch. To do this, apply the organic material in a thick layer around the roots to protect them from ground frost.
Cover small-crowned trees with fleece
Garden fleece is an excellent material for the hobby gardenerserve well in every seasoncan. Fleece provides good protection against frost and can save the magnolia blossom even when buds have formed. Always have a fleece cloth or other fleece covering ready to spread over the tree before the expected frost.
Protect magnolias in pots from late frost
Magnolias are also popular as container plants and should also be protected from late frost. A combination of both methods mentioned above is recommended here: Apply a layer of mulch around the roots of the plant and also get a suitable fleece covering for the crown. You can additionally protect the bucket by wrapping it with a protective material (e.g. straw or Styrofoam) and then wrapping it with bubble wrap. This in combination with the mulch provides good protection for the roots.
No fleece available? Protect the magnolia from frost with blankets
If you don't have any fleece available, you can protect the flowers and buds of your magnolia tree that have already formed by covering the tree with some blankets. Be sure to do this the evening before the predicted frost, as temperatures are usually lowest in the early hours of the morning.
How bad is frost damage for the magnolia tree?
Even a frosty night is enough for the magnolia flowers and buds to look like real blocks of ice. But what happens to the magnolia when it gets frost? The typical frost damage damages both the leaves and the buds or flowers - they turn brown and fall off.
Not all magnolias are at risk from late frost. A large, old tree can survive an unexpected frost well. However, young trees can suffer a lot from late frost and should definitely be protected from it. The variety also plays a role. The tulip mangnolia, for example, is one of the species that is particularly at risk from late frost. Varieties like star magnolias, on the other hand, can typically tolerate some frost without dropping the petals and buds.
