How to grow and care for a magnolia tree

Modern magnolia cultivars often feature highly fragrant, large cup-shaped, bowl-shaped, or goblet-shaped blooms. Magnolias thrive in a temperate climate, preferring full sun (though they will cope with some light shade) with protection from harsh frosts and strong winds. With options ranging from dwarf varieties for pots to large feature trees, there’s a magnolia to suit every garden or patio.

Care tips for magnolias

1. Choose a sunny spot, sheltered from frosts and harsh weather conditions.
2. Ensure the soil is rich, moist and free-draining. Most magnolias prefer slightly acidic soil, although a few will also grow in alkaline or chalky soils.
3. Smaller magnolias grow well in pots; use a high-quality loam-based compost with good drainage. For acid-loving magnolias use a loam-based ericaceous compost.
4. Keep soil consistently moist, particularly during dry spells.

Magnolia varieties

With such a wide range of magnolias available, it can be difficult to choose between them. Here are a few of the most popular varieties:

• Magnolia stellata – a shrubby small tree with starry white flowers in spring on bare branches. A good choice for alkaline soils.
• Magnolia x loebneri ‘Leonard Messel’ – a slow-growing tree good for small gardens, with scented light pink flowers in spring.
• Magnolia ‘Black Tulip’ – a small tree with an open spreading habit and stunning tulip-shaped burgundy flowers in spring.
• Magnolia grandiflora ‘Exmouth’ – a large, upright tree with glossy evergreen leaves and spectacular creamy white bowl-shaped flowers in mid-summer.

Where to plant a magnolia tree

Magnolias prefer a sunny spot with shelter from frosts and strong winds. They thrive in slightly acidic, moist but well-draining soil.

1. Choosing a location: Ensure the planting area provides enough space for the tree’s mature size, especially for larger varieties.
2. Soil preparation: Enrich the soil with compost and plant food designed for acid-loving plants. This improves soil fertility and supports the tree’s growth.

How to plant a magnolia tree

Magnolias are versatile trees that thrive in prepared garden soil. They’re an excellent choice for creating a striking feature in your outdoor space.

1. Planting preparation: Dig a hole twice as wide and the same depth as the magnolia’s nursery pot. Remove the plant gently from its pot and tease out the roots lightly if they’re congested.
2. Planting: Position the magnolia in the hole, ensuring it sits at the same level as it did in the pot. Backfill with soil, firm it down gently, and water thoroughly to help establish roots.
3. Staking: Stake tall trees after planting to provide support while the roots are establishing. The stake can be removed after a few years once the plant is stable.
4. Mulching: Apply mulch around the drip zone to retain moisture, keep the roots cool and suppress weeds. Keep the mulch a few inches away from the main stem to prevent rot.

Water regularly for the first couple of years after planting, especially during dry periods, to allow the plant to establish.

Growing magnolias in pots

Magnolias can adapt well to container gardening, particularly dwarf varieties. These are ideal for smaller gardens, patios, or terraces.

1. Choosing a pot: Select a container with good drainage holes. The container should be at least 2.5-5cm bigger in diameter than the plant’s current pot.
2. Drainage: Place a few crocks (bits of broken pottery) at the bottom of the pot to stop compost clogging up the drainage holes.
3. Compost: Place a layer of compost in the bottom of the pot. Use a loam-based compost designed for acid-loving plants, or a camellia and rhododendron compost.
4. Planting: Remove the magnolia from its pot and tease out the roots gently. Position it in the new pot, backfill it with compost, and water thoroughly.
5. Mulching and watering: Mulch the surface of the pot to retain moisture but avoid covering the stem. Water consistently, especially during hot and dry periods, to keep the soil evenly moist.

Potted magnolias may need repotting every 2–3 years to prevent root binding and ensure continued healthy growth.

Magnolia fertiliser and care

Magnolia trees are easy to care for, but they do benefit from regular feeding and watering to ensure healthy growth and stunning blooms.

• Feed newly planted magnolias in winter or early spring with a general-purpose fertiliser scattered around the base of the plant.
• Feed container-grown magnolias with a balanced liquid feed 2-3 times during the growing season, or apply a controlled-release fertiliser in spring – this will provide a steady release of nutrients for up to 6 months and is a great way of making sure your magnolia is set up for success over the growing season.
• Magnolias require consistent moisture, particularly during dry weather. Ensure the soil or compost stays evenly moist but not waterlogged.

How to prune magnolia trees

Deciduous magnolias require minimal pruning. Remove dead, damaged, or crossing branches as needed to maintain their shape. If you need to prune harder to renovate an overgrown magnolia, spread the pruning over 2-3 years to avoid stressing the tree. Remove any water shoots that are produced by the tree as a result of pruning.

Evergreen magnolias also need little routine pruning but can be lightly trimmed to shape if desired.

When to prune magnolia trees

Deciduous magnolias should only be pruned between mid-summer and early autumn, as they are likely to bleed sap if pruned in winter or early spring.

Evergreen magnolias should be pruned in early spring as they start to put on new growth.

Common magnolia pests and diseases

Magnolias are generally hardy and resistant to most pests and diseases. However, occasional issues can arise:

Pests

In rare cases, aphids or scale insects may appear. Treat infestations promptly with an insecticide spray.

Diseases

Magnolias can be affected by several fungal diseases, including Phytophthora root rot, honey fungus and bracket fungi. There are no controls for these conditions, but ensuring good soil health and drainage by regular mulching with organic matter can reduce the risk of infection.

With proper care, your magnolia will thrive, offering beautiful blooms and lush foliage year after year.

FAQs

Why is my magnolia tree not growing?

For the best results, ensure your magnolia is planted in the right soil conditions, feed annually and water regularly. Magnolias are slow-growing and can take several years to flower.

How do I care for a magnolia tree in winter?

Magnolias are hardy and don’t need special winter care provided they are planted in the right conditions with shelter from cold winds. Avoid frost pockets as the flower buds can be damaged by early frosts.