Magnolias are without question one of those plants that leave us on cloud nine during the flowering period. The large flowers that cover the entire treetop have something magical about them, which many hobby gardeners would like to admire in their own garden. But before you drive to the nearest garden center or tree nursery and grab a tree, you should find out what you should consider if you want to plant and care for a magnolia in the garden. We have summarized the most important things for you.
Magnolias are quite sensitive plants, which is whycorrect choice of location and careare of such great importance. Transplanting in particular should be avoided if possible. Below you will find out when the right planting time is, what conditions it imposes on the location,what about fertilizingand what you should consider when pruning.
How and when to plant magnolia?
Although autumn is possible, spring is considered the better planting time for magnolias. This is simply because the winter cold or frost can be hard on the tree that is still young and not growing well. It is important that the hole you prepare is approximately three times the size of the plant's root ball. Remember that the roots closest to the surface are particularly sensitive. They must not be hurt.
Check the root ball when you remove it from the pot. If it is very dry, we recommend soaking it in a water bath for a while.
The right location
Find the right location before planting your magnolia. Larger specimens in particular require sufficient space and should not be placed too close to other plants. So when planting the magnolia, make sure that the distance is appropriate (depending on the variety and size, at least 1.5 to 2 meters or even as a solitary plant).
The ideal location issunny to partially shaded. However, the soil should not be too dry if you choose full sun. In this case, you must always water the plants well, but avoid waterlogging, as this promotes fungal growth.
Planting magnolia – which soil?
The soil should be fresh, humic and nutrient-rich when you plant the magnoliaPlanting and maintaining the gardenwant. Also pay attention to the pH value, because the plant prefers neutral soil, but it can also be slightly acidic. If the soil in your garden is clayey, you should mix it with gravelly sand. This makes them more permeable and prevents waterlogging.
How to fertilize magnolias?
As already mentioned, magnolias require nutrient-rich soil. For this reason, regular fertilization is also important. Before you plant the tree, work on the desired locationgenerously composta. Alternatively, humus is also suitable. Next year, renew the whole thing with compost mulch. Horn shavings are very suitable for fertilizing, but also organic fertilizers for woody plants.
Under no circumstances should you work your chosen fertilizer into the soil, as this will damage the sensitive roots beneath the surface. For these trees, the fertilizer is simply applied.
Cut and propagate magnolia trees
Because the trees grow very slowly, cutting is rarely necessary and only when the branches are out of shape. However, since magnolias have the property of only forming loosely branched treetops, this case rarely occurs, so you do not need to prune your magnolia regularly. However, if you want to cut your magnolia, the best time is late summer. But leave strong rejuvenation cuts.
How to propagate magnolia?
You can then theoretically use the cuttings to propagate your magnolia through cuttings (for deciduous varieties, take cuttings from the magnolia after flowering, in early summer). Since this is a relatively difficult matter, you should be prepared for possible missteps.
Does the plant need frost protection?
All you have to do is protect the magnolia blossom from frost, as in our latitudes late frost can occur when the tree is already blooming. In this case you can use ourTips for frost protectionfollow. Another way you can protect the magnolia from frost is to delay flowering. For this purpose, the still frozen ground is covered with mulch in winter. This layer of insulation means it thaws more slowly in spring and takes longer to warm up, resulting in later flowering.
Planting and caring for magnolia in the garden – suitable and popular species
In addition to the pure magnolia species, there are now also plenty of hybrids that you can choose from if you are looking for a magnoliaPlant gardenand want to maintain. Included are both shrubby variants, which are therefore smaller in stature, as well as magnolia trees of different sizes. The best-known and most popular varieties of outdoor magnolia include:
- Star magnolia with star-shaped flowers in white color
- Tulip magnolia with bush-high growth or as a tree and with cup-shaped flowers in pink
- Cucumber magnolia with deciduous foliage and cucumber-shaped fruits
- Lily magnolia with a long flowering period from spring to mid-summer
- Löbner's magnolia with compact shrub growth and white flower colors that fade into purple
