The magnolia tree only blossoms when it is in the right location. We show what else to consider when planting a magnolia.

In this article you will find out what you should pay attention to when planting a magnolia tree

Planting the magnolia (Magnolia) is more complex than planting many other plants. A careful approach, however, saves you a lot of effort and brings even more joy when the magnolia develops well.

Planting a magnolia is an investment in the future, because magnolias grow old. In order to offer the plant the right conditions, you should pay attention to a few things and prepare the planting well. Because only then can the valuable tree thrive in all its glory.

Planting a magnolia: The perfect time

The best time to plant a magnolia is between October and March during the dormant period. That doesn't mean, however, that you have to dig a hole in the ground when the temperatures drop and the ground freezes in January or February. It makes more sense to choose a date in early November or early March when winter is not yet here or is already on its way.

Plant Magnolia: The right location

The location is of course largely a question of the variety. However, there are a few general rules:

  • The magnolia really likes the sun. It doesn't have to be full sun, a little shade during the day doesn't hurt at all. Some species are prone to frost cracking in winter when the ground is frozen and the winter sun is heating up. They include, for example, the popular tulip magnolia (Magnolia xsoulangeana). It is better to plant such species in a sunny northern location, where the temperature fluctuations in winter are significantly smaller. An exception is Magnolia siboldii, which prefers shade to too much sun.
  • Moist soil is wonderful for the magnolia. Soils that tend to waterlogging should be provided with a drainage layer when planting.
  • A sheltered from the wind is the right place for the magnolia. Some cultivars, particularly large-flowered magnolias, need a little more wind protection than others.
  • Clear yoursMagnolia enough space. The plants get quite old and can only develop magnificently if they have enough space available. You should plan at least five to eight square meters for a tree.
In the right location, magnolias ensure a lush sea of flowers

How to plant a magnolia

Planting magnolia trees should be done with care. In order for the plant to thrive, it is worth preparing a suitable starting hole for it. Dig a large planting hole. It should be about twice as high and twice as wide as the root ball. This loosens the surrounding soil sufficiently.

Magnolias need a pH between 5.5 and 6.8. The environment should therefore be in the acidic range. You can do this by placing a sack of peat soil in the planting hole and mixing it with a good portion of the excavation in the hole. Unfortunately, peat soil contains a lot of peat, which is why it tends not to be recommended for environmental reasons.

Now place the root ball in the hole and arrange the whole thing so that the soil mixture is distributed around the root ball. Do not pile soil around the trunk, however, as the tree should not be planted any deeper than it was previously underground. You can then press the soil down lightly and water it abundantly. Although the magnolia likes sun on top, it likes it cool and damp at the roots - a thick layer of bark mulch helps. Later, when the magnolia is well established, a ground cover around the trunk is also suitable as good protection.

A thick layer of bark mulch protects the roots from heat and drought

Magnolia plant summary:

  • Dig a hole twice the size of the root ball
  • Mix well excavated soil with acidic bog soil
  • Put the root ball in the hole and fill it up with soil mixture
  • Never plant the tree deeper than it was previously planted
  • Press the planted tree lightly and water well
  • Add bark mulch around the plant

Caring for magnolia after planting

After planting, the magnolia does not need any further care. The following year the plant copes well with the nutrients received. Too much will do her more harm than good. If you planted the plant in a dry autumn, it will of course need water at the beginning - so water it from time to time in this case. The same applies to a dry spring.

As soon as the magnolia gets a little olderis, it should be fertilized every spring. Compost or primarily organic long-term fertilizers in organic quality such as our Plantura organic universal fertilizer are ideal for this.

Read more about fertilizing and pruning magnolias here.

Category:

Trees