Magnolia in the garden - cultivation, care, varieties and tips

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The best time to plant magnolias is early autumn or early spring. Magnolia does well in sunny or slightly shaded positions. The soil around this plant should be constantly slightly moist. Before the first frosts, it is a good idea to cover the lower part of the plant with a mound of earth, bark or compost, which will protect the root system from frost. For more interesting information, visit the main page of the PdD portal

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The best time to plant magnolias is early autumn or early spring.
Magnolia does well in sunny or slightly shaded positions.
The soil around this plant should be constantly slightly moist.
Before the first frosts, it is a good idea to cover the lower part of the plant with a mound of earth, bark or compost, which will protect the root system from frost.
For more interesting information, visit the main page of the PdD portal

Magnolia is a plant that catches the eye already in early spring, It is great for decorating home gardens - its large, showy flowers are a real hit among gardening enthusiasts. This showy ornamental plant impresses not only with its appearance, but also with its relatively simple care - provided you know its needs. If you are wondering how to grow magnolia, when to plant it, what position will be best for it and what variety to choose - you are in the right place! In this article you will find a practical guide about magnolia, full of tips on planting, watering, pruning, fertilizing and protection from frost and disease. Also check out the most beautiful varieties of magnolia and how to incorporate this plant into a garden arrangement. Take care of your magnolia like a pro and enjoy spectacular blooms every spring!

Magnolia blooms already in early spring

Photo by Larisa Birta © UNSPLASH

When to plant a magnolia?

Planting magnolias requires the right moment, which will allow the plant to acclimatize to the new place in the best possible way. In Polish climatic conditions, the best time to plant magnolias is early autumn, i.e. September and October, or early spring, i.e. March and April. Autumn planting gives the plant time to expand its root system before the onset of winter, which is especially important for young specimens that have not yet had time to root well. Spring planting, on the other hand, avoids the risk of frost in the event of an exceptionally cold winter, so this option is especially recommended in colder regions. When choosing a specific date, it is also worth considering the weather conditions. Seedlings should not go into very dry soil. The soil should be slightly moist, but not waterlogged, well-drained and weed-free. Before planting, it is also a good idea to soak the root ball in water for a few hours, which will increase the plant's chance of being quickly accepted in its new location. Proper planting of magnolias is the first step to getting a beautifully blooming plant, so it should not be underestimated. The right timing, proper soil preparation and care when placing the plant in the ground can determine its continued growth and health for seasons to come.

Before planting a magnolia, it is worth soaking the root ball in water for several hours

Photo Sam © UNSPLASH

Position for magnolias

Choosing the right place in the garden is one of the most important decisions we need to make even before buying a plant. Magnolia feels best in sunny or slightly shaded positions, where it has access to plenty of daylight, but at the same time is not exposed to direct, scorching sunlight all day long. It tolerates warm places well, but can quickly lose vitality in overly hot and dry corners. Providing cover from the wind is also key. Magnolias do not like drafts, and cold gusts can not only damage delicate buds, but also dry out the soil. The ideal solution, therefore, is to plant magnolias near a hedge, building wall or fence, which acts as a natural protective barrier. The soil in which you plant a magnolia should be fertile, slightly acidic, humus and permeable. Too heavy clay soil, like alkaline soil, can hinder the development of the plant and lead to lack of flowering. So it is worth checking the pH of the soil before planting, and if necessary, acidify it - for example, by adding peat or conifer compost. A well-chosen site is a guarantee of lush growth, intense flowering and less susceptibility to disease or frost.

How to plant a magnolia?

The process of planting magnolias should be carefully thought out and carried out with great care. First, dig a hole twice the size of the root ball of the purchased seedling. This will allow the roots to spread freely and facilitate access to the nutrients contained in the soil. The bottom of the dug hole should be enriched with a layer of compost or acid peat, which will ensure the proper structure of the substrate and improve its sorption properties. Then carefully place the plant in the hole, being careful not to damage the delicate roots. Magnolias tolerate repotting very badly, so choose the right place carefully. The next step is to backfill the hole with soil and gently compact the substrate to eliminate air voids that could harm the root ball. Next, the substrate should be generously watered - using up to a few liters of water - and then a layer of mulch should be applied, preferably from pine bark or wood chips. Mulching reduces evaporation of water from the soil, protects against the growth of weeds and acts as thermal insulation in colder weather. Fertilization should be postponed until later. For the first few weeks after planting, the magnolia should be allowed to acclimate to its new environment. Correctly carried out planting process provides a solid base for the future development of the plant, which from this moment begins to form a root system, develop shoots and prepare for the first spectacular flowering.

Magnolia tolerates transplanting very badly, so carefully choose a suitable place for it in the garden

Photo by Meric Dagli © UNSPLASH

Magnolia care - how to take care of the plant?

Watering

Care of magnolias requires attention, but in return the plant will repay you with beautiful flowering and lush growth. The key element is proper watering. Magnolia does not like drought, so the soil around it should be slightly moist all the time. It is best to water the plant in the morning or evening so that the water has time to soak into the soil, avoiding evaporation in full sun. However, it is important to avoid excess water, which can lead to root rot. During the summer, especially in hot weather, it is worth increasing the frequency of watering, but always in such a way that water does not linger around the roots. It is also worth using a layer of mulch, which reduces water evaporation and protects the plant from excessive heat in the ground.

The soil around the magnolia should be slightly moist at all times

Photo by Anastasia Krachkovskaya © UNSPLASH

Fertilization

In spring, the magnolia also needs proper fertilization, which will support its intensive growth and abundant flowering. It is advisable to use an organic fertilizer with a low nitrogen content, which promotes the healthy development of the plant and reduces excessive growth of the green part. After flowering, it is advisable to use fertilizers with a higher content of phosphorus and potassium, which promote the maturation of buds for next year. It is also worth remembering that magnolias do not tolerate excess chemical fertilizers, so it is better to bet on natural preparations, such as compost or manure, which improve the structure of the soil, while providing the plant with essential nutrients.

Proper fertilization will support intensive growth and abundant flowering of magnolias

Photo by Marina Reich © UNSPLASH

Pruning

In addition to watering and fertilizing, the magnolia also needs regular pruning. Pruning should be done in early spring, just before the start of vegetation, removing dead or diseased shoots and those that grow towards the inside of the plant. It is important not to prune it too hard, as magnolia tends to recover poorly from heavy pruning. It is also a good idea to avoid pruning the flower buds, as removing them in the first year of cultivation may result in a lack of flowering.

Magnolia requires regular pruning

Photo by Giacomo Carra © UNSPLASH

Protection from frost and disease

Protecting magnolias from frost and disease is an important part of care that has a direct impact on the condition and flowering of the plant in subsequent seasons. Although many varieties of magnolias show high resistance to low temperatures, young specimens, especially freshly planted ones, are much more sensitive and require adequate protection for the winter. Before the first frost, it is worth covering the lower part of the plant with a mound of earth, bark or compost, which will protect the root system from frost. In addition, it is worth covering the entire plant with an agro-textile or straw mat, especially in the case of varieties that bloom very early, whose buds are particularly vulnerable to damage.

Magnolia is one of the most popular plants in Polish gardens

Photo by Takemaru Hirai © UNSPLASH

Disease prevention is equally important. Magnolias rarely get sick, but they can be attacked by fungi or bacteria, especially in conditions of excessive moisture or insufficient air circulation. Symptoms such as leaf browning, bud drop or discoloration can indicate health problems. To prevent disease, it's a good idea to avoid overwatering the plant, maintain an airy position and remove shriveled leaves and fallen flowers, which can harbor pathogens. If necessary, you can also reach for natural plant protection products or fungicidal preparations approved for use in home gardens.

Avoid overwatering the plant, ensure an airy position and remove dried leaves and fallen flowers

Photo: Hristina Chapran © UNSPLASH

The most beautiful varieties of magnolia

Magnolia is a plant that has many different varieties, and each of them is characterized by different features - from the color of the flowers to the size of the plant. Choosing the right variety depends on the size of your garden, your aesthetic preferences and the conditions of your location. The most popular varieties of magnolia are Magnolia stellata, Magnolia soulangeana and Magnolia grandiflora, but there are many more species available that delight in variety.

Magnolia stellata, known as star magnolia, is a shrub with spreading branches and small but very showy flowers that resemble stars. This variety is particularly valued for its frost hardiness, making it perfect for colder regions of Poland. Star magnolia's flowers can take on shades of white, pink or light purple, and its shrubs reach an average height of 1.5 to 2 meters. This variety is perfect for smaller gardens, as it does not take up too much space.

Magnolia stellata known as star magnolia

Magnolia soulangeana, also known as magnolia stellata, is one of the most popular varieties. It is characterized by large, intense pink or purple flowers that appear in early spring. The plant can reach a height of 3 to 5 meters, making it suitable for medium-sized gardens. Magnolia soulangeana is also relatively tolerant of cold temperatures, although younger plants may need frost protection in the first years of cultivation. It is often used as an ornamental plant in larger spaces, but works equally well in home gardens.

Magnolia soulangeana also known as common magnolia

Magnolia grandiflora, also known as magnolia grandiflora, is a variety that impresses with huge, white flowers with an intense fragrance. This plant can reach up to 10 meters in height, so it is best suited for large gardens, where it will have adequate space to grow. Magnolia grandiflora is an ideal choice for gardens, in warmer climatic conditions, because it is less resistant to frost than other varieties. It is worth remembering that it needs a sunny position and moist, well-drained soil to develop its full potential.

Magnolia grandiflora also known as large-flowered magnolia

Also worth mentioning is Magnolia x loebneri, known as Japanese magnolia. This variety impresses with pink flowers with a delicate appearance and is distinguished by its increased resistance to low temperatures, making it a good choice for gardens located in colder regions.

Magnolia x loebneri known as Japanese magnolia

Magnolia lilliflora, on the other hand, is a compact plant with intensely pink, finer flowers. It is an ideal choice for small spaces, such as small gardens or home garden beds. The final choice of magnolia variety should depend not only on aesthetic preferences, but, above all, on the conditions that prevail in the place of the planned cultivation.