
The Types of Fertilizer to Deep-Feed a Magnolia Tree
- When to Fertilize. The best time of year to fertilize trees is in the late fall after all of the deciduous leaves have dropped.
- Type of Fertilizer. Nitrogen is the most important fertilizer to provide for trees. ...
- Deep Feeding. The roots of a magnolia are very close to the surface and are easily damaged. ...
- Fertilizer Damage. ...
What do you feed a magnolia tree in a pot?
If you are growing your magnolia tree in a pot then make sure to feed it throughout the growing season. Use a liquid ericaceous fertiliser, such as Miracle-Gro Liquid Ericaceous Plant food. Mulching around Magnolia Trees Mulching is the term used for the layer of organic material that's placed on top of the soil around your plants every year.
How to fertilize a magnolia tree?
How To Fertilize A Magnolia Tree. Southern Magnolia are light feeders, however will benefit from fertilization. Feed in spring with a slow-release shrub & tree food, preferably one that contains Sulfur and/or Iron for deep greening of foliage. Alternatively, you can feed with a natural organic plant food.
What kind of soil do magnolia trees like?
Magnolia planting is best done in a moist, rich, slightly acidic soil that is amended with compost or leaf mold will get the tree off to a good start. As part of your magnolia tree care, you’ll need to water the trees to keep the soil around the base of the tree moist.
What should I know about Magnolia planting and care?
Learning more about magnolia planting and care is a great way to enjoy these trees in your landscape. Magnolia trees are native to East Asia and the Himalayas, eastern North America and Central America. They grow 40 to 80 feet tall with a spread of 30 to 40 feet. Depending upon the species, magnolias may be evergreen, semi-evergreen or deciduous.

How do you feed a magnolia tree?
0:522:24Fertilizing Magnolias : Garden Savvy - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipIf you're buying fertilizer from the store. Always look at the numbers. And a great fertilizer forMoreIf you're buying fertilizer from the store. Always look at the numbers. And a great fertilizer for magnolias is 10 10 10 that's nitrogen phosphate and potash.
Do magnolias need fertilizer?
Under normal conditions your magnolia tree should thrive with an application of fertilizer once a year. If you observe leaves getting smaller every year or new growth of less than 5 inches each year, your magnolia tree may need additional fertilizer to boost its growth.
When should I fertilize my magnolia bush?
Applying Magnolia Fertilizer The fertilizer should be given three times during the growing season in spring, early summer and mid to late summer. A balanced granular fertilizer, such as 8-8-8 or 10-10-10, works best because it will supply all the macronutrients the tree needs.
How do you improve the health of a magnolia tree?
Growing and Caring for MagnoliasWatering: Most varieties tolerate hot summers and some drought. ... Pruning: Magnolias don't need much pruning other than to lop off damaged branches or to shape up the tree to keep it pretty. ... Fertilizing: If your tree is healthy and blooming, no fertilizer needed.More items...
What is the best fertilizer for magnolia?
Most magnolia tree varieties grow best when they received fertilizers to have an ample amount of nitrogen. This means that fertilizers with an NPK ratio of 20-5-10 or 12-4-8 are most ideal for the tree. That being said, magnolia trees can also benefit from all-purpose fertilizers as well.
Is blood and bone good for magnolias?
Applying a specially formulated, nutrient-rich mulch will give your magnolia the food and energy it needs to produce excellent flowers. To make a suitable mulch, mix together: 5 bags cow manure (not chicken manure as it burns the roots) 1 cup blood & bone.
Do magnolias like bone meal?
During early springtime it is worthwhile feeding your Magnolia with a balanced base fertiliser such as Fish Blood and Bone Meal.
Is a magnolia tree acid loving?
Magnolia grows best in acidic (pH 5.0 to 6.0) well drained, loamy, moist, rich soils. They are tolerant of high soil moisture but cannot withstand prolonged inundation.
What kills a magnolia tree?
Magnolias are susceptible to a few pests and diseases such as baterical leaf spot, magnolia boreres, spot anthracnose, canker, dieback, butt rot, powdery mildew, anthracnose, fungal spots, snails, weevils, scale insects, planthoppers, and thrips. I believe in your case dieback is probably the culprit.
Do magnolias need ericaceous feed?
Magnolias prefer a slightly acidic soil so potting compost for Rhododendrons, Azaleas or ericaceous plants is suitable. Another solution is to use a loam based compost which is slightly acidic.
Why are the leaves on my magnolia turning yellow?
Too little water can cause drought stress, which results in yellowing leaves on magnolias. Too much water, or soil that doesn't drain well, can drown the tree roots. This can also cause yellow magnolia leaves. Yellow magnolia leaves can also be a symptom of sunburn or insufficient light.
Is Epsom salt good for magnolia trees?
Some winters, with a lack of rainfall, damage many magnolia trees growing on the shallow soils in this area. Secondary only to moisture is the magnolia trees need for magnesium. The most common source of magnesium is Epsom salt.
How often should you feed magnolias?
Plants in containers have little access to nutrients, so need feeding regularly during the growing season. It is also best to topdress in spring – scrape off the top 5cm (2in) of compost and replace with fresh compost and a little slow-release fertiliser, such as Vitax Q4 or blood, fish and bone.
Why are the leaves on my magnolia turning yellow?
Too little water can cause drought stress, which results in yellowing leaves on magnolias. Too much water, or soil that doesn't drain well, can drown the tree roots. This can also cause yellow magnolia leaves. Yellow magnolia leaves can also be a symptom of sunburn or insufficient light.
Why does my magnolia tree have brown leaves?
In hot weather, water evaporates rapidly from the leaves. If the roots can''t absorb and convey water fast enough to replenish this loss, the leaves turn brown and wither. For optimum growth, magnolias require moist soil. Leaf scorch is most severe when water is unavailable because the soil is dry.
Is Epsom salt good for magnolia trees?
Some winters, with a lack of rainfall, damage many magnolia trees growing on the shallow soils in this area. Secondary only to moisture is the magnolia trees need for magnesium. The most common source of magnesium is Epsom salt.
How many species of magnolia are there?
About Magnolias. Though most people are familiar with the sprawling southern magnolia (Magnolia grandiflora), the genus is comprised of over 80 species ranging from trees to small shrubs. Most have large, fragrant flowers, though not all are evergreen.
What are the two types of camellias?
The majority of ornamental camellias are one of two types: the common camellia (Camellia japonica) and the sasanqua camellia (C. sasanqua).
Do magnolias need fertilizer?
Fertilizing Magnolias. Typically, native tree species should need little to no fertilizer, especially after becoming established. Some soils are deficient in essential nutrients, however, and magnolias will benefit from an occasional light feeding. A soil test will reveal the exact components of your particular growing area.
Xris Gardener
Was wondering if to feed a magnolia tree and if so what type of feed to use and when.
HarmonyArb Gardener
Any well-rotted organic matter will do as a feed for your magnolia; horse manure, compost, leaf litter etc. As long as you have decent soil the tree shouldn't really encounter any nutrient deficiency problems.
HarmonyArb Gardener
It'll flower if it has adequate energy to do so - if it has been well looked after and is in good health then it'll flower normally without any further help needed. If you are wanting to go down the lines of applying chemical fertiliser in order to promote flowering then you need a mix that is bias toward potassium.
What is the color of magnolia trees?
Image by Mariusz Brainard. Large, fragrant, white blossoms are just the beginning of the appeal of a magnolia tree. These attractive trees also feature glossy, dark green leaves and a large, exotic-looking pod that opens in fall to reveal bright orange-red berries which are relished by birds and other wildlife.
How tall do magnolias get?
They grow 40 to 80 feet tall with a spread of 30 to 40 feet. Depending upon the species, magnolias may be evergreen, semi-evergreen or deciduous. Some of the deciduous types bloom in early spring before the tree leafs out.
Can magnolias grow in wet soil?
If you are looking for an ornamental tree that will tolerate wet, soggy soil, you need look no further than a magnolia. Magnolia planting is best done in a moist, rich, slightly acidic soil that is amended with compost or leaf mold will get the tree off to a good start.
Is magnolia hardy in Zone 7?
The shade from the tree and accumulation of leaves prevents grass from growing, and as the leaves break down they provide nutrients for the tree. Most magnolia trees are hardy in USDA Zones 7 through 9; however, there are some cultivars that survive winters far north of zone 7.
What is a magnolia tree?
The magnolia is an ancient genus of tree that has been around for over 20 million years. The distinctive goblet or star-shaped flowers are some of the first to appear each spring, turning the small trees into a riot of pink or white blooms. A magnolia tree is a perfect choice for a novice gardener; these trees rarely suffer from pest ...
How tall does a magnolia plant grow?
Latin name: Magnolia. Hardiness: Fully hardy. Suitable for growing across the UK and Ireland. Height: Dependant on variety , usually no larger than 15ft. Spread: Dependant on variety, usually no larger than 10ft. Flowering: Early spring. Ideal for: Planting in a pot or the garden. Difficulty: Easy.
Can magnolias grow in pots?
Pot Growing Magnolia Trees. Smaller varieties of magnolia such as Susan Magnolia Tree can also be grown in large containers and are great for adding a pop of colour to a small garden space, especially on a patio. - Always use soil or compost designed for ericaceous plants, or with a PH balance of 4.5-5.5.
Do magnolias need mulch?
Magnolias grown in the ground don't require much when it comes to feeding, however, a layer of mulch every year will go a long way. Adding a layer of mulch like described below will help to improve the texture of the soil and keep it nice and nutrient rich for your tree.
Can magnolia trees be pruned?
A magnolia tree is a perfect choice for a novice gardener; these trees rarely suffer from pest or diseases and require little or no pruning whatsoever. Grow this deciduous tree in almost any reasonably fertile garden soil with minimal work or fuss, provided it is not alkaline.
Do magnolias lose their leaves in winter?
All the magnolias in our range are deciduous trees; they will los e their leaves in winter and go into dormancy. Magnolia trees are fully hardy, but as they flower very early in the year, the flowers are particularly susceptible to late winter frosts.
Do you have to prune magnolia trees?
Pruning of magnolia trees should rarely be required as they naturally grow in an open bushy habit. The only routine pruning will involve removing dead wood and water shoots to keep the tree in good health. When it is time to conduct some pruning, try and cut branches back to a natural fork to ensure an attractive shape.
What is the best soil for Magnolia trees?
Soil pH Preference. Southern Magnolia trees grow best in an acid to slightly alkaline soil ranging between 4.5 to 7.5 on the pH scale. Most average garden soils fall between a pH range of 6.0 to 7.0. Testing Soil pH .
What is the best soil for Southern Magnolias?
When planting Southern Magnolias in dense clay or poor quality soil it is beneficial to thoroughly mix in some good organic matter such as composted cow manure, mushroom compost, sand , and/or a good planting mix at a 50/50 ratio with the soil removed from the planting hole.
How to keep soil moist after planting?
During the first few weeks after planting, check soil moisture often and adjust irrigation time if necessary to keep the soil moist, not wet. At Planting Time . Immediately after planting deep soak the soil in the planting area, including the root ball, to a depth equal to the height of the root ball.
How do I grow magnolias?
Growing magnolias in pots. Choose only dwarf and small varieties. Use a pot at least double the size of your root ball, fill with quality potting mix and add water-storage crystals to help retain moisture. When planting, take care not to disturb roots. Position in full sun to part shade.
When should I plant magnolias?
Plant your deciduous magnolia in spring, not autumn, because its roots are easily damaged when handled and the roots have the summer months to repair, which they can’t do in the winter. Your new plant may be tall and thin, so use stakes for the first year or two to support it.
What is a saucer magnolia?
Tulip or saucer magnolia ( Magnolia x soulangeana) and its many varieties and cultivars is the one we mostly see in our neighbourhoods. The profusion of large, perfumed, goblet-like flowers emerge tall and slender then open as wide as 25cm in white, pink, purple or rose-purple, while often retaining a white interior.
How tall does a magnolia tree grow?
Cucumber or blue magnolia ( M. accuminata) produces exquisite yellow, tulip-shaped flowers about 10cm long. It can grow quite tall (about 20m), so imagine your tree smothered with yellow ribbons delivering a gentle lemon fragrance, especially if you live in a cool climate where it does well.
What is a sweet bay magnolia?
Sweet bay Magnolia (M. virginiana) will lighten up your garden with its soft grey-green leaves that have a silvery underside. The small, white, highly perfumed flowers appear in spring with a blast, then sporadically in summer. Each flower closes at night, then opens in the morning.
Is a magnolia a pot wine?
Pot wine magnolia. Port wine magnolia (Michelia figo) is not strictly a magnolia, although it belongs to the same family, which is why it is such a delightful plant to consider. It produces deep, rich, port wine coloured flowers in spring and summer just inside the foliage, so can be used as a decorative hedge.
How to make magnolia tree stable?
Place the young magnolia tree in the hole, ensuring the exposed upper root is in line with the soil’s surface. Then fill the remaining space with organic-rich soil and firm the earth to get rid of air pockets to make the tree stable.
What is a magnolia tree?
Magnolia is a genus of flowering trees and shrubs that produce stunning white and pink bowl- or star-shaped flowers. Magnolia trees and shrubs are identified by their glossy, leathery leaves, fragrant, showy flowers, and cone-like fruits in the fall. Magnolias are easy to care for, and growing these trees or shrubby plants add beauty ...
Why are my magnolias not blooming?
Magnolias are sensitive to cold weather. Even if the trees are growing in the right zone, an unseasonal cold snap can affect magnolia blooming habits, and your tree will then fail to produce flowers. Other reasons why magnolias don’t bloom are too little sunlight or growing in alkaline soil.
Why should I prune magnolia trees?
You can prune magnolia trees and shrubs to improve their shape and encourage more flowering. Pruning magnolia trees is useful to shape them as they grow. Pruning these multi-stemmed shrubs can help to train the plant to grow as a specimen tree. Also, regular pruning encourages more blooms.
Why are my magnolia buds not opening?
Lack of sunlight and nitrogen issues are two reasons why magnolia buds don’t open. If the magnolia shrub or tree is in too much shade, the buds may appear but fail to open. Similarly, too much nitrogen in the ground can cause buds to stay shut rather than open. Magnolia buds are also susceptible to frost.
How big does a magnolia tree grow?
Magnolia is a plant that typically has slow to medium growth. Expect a magnolia tree or shrub to grow between 1 and 2 ft. (30 – 60 cm) a year, but only if growing conditions are ideal. In time, magnolias grow a large, extensive shade canopy that can be as large as the shrub or tree is tall.
How tall are magnolias?
Depending on the plant species, magnolias can be evergreen or deciduous trees. Some magnolia trees can be as tall as 90 ft. (25 m) with a spread of 50 ft. (15 m). Magnolia shrubs are large, multi-stemmed bushy plants growing around 15 ft. (4.5 m) high.
