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 southern magnolia trees?
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.
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 eats a magnolia tree?
Scale insects of various kinds, including both armored and soft scales, feed on magnolias. If left untreated, magnolia borers can girdle and kill young trees. Hoplia beetles feed on the blossoms of magnolias, among other trees. They cut round holes in the petals while feeding. They do not feed on the leaves.
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 is best fertilizer for magnolia trees?
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.
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.
Should you fertilize magnolia trees?
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.
How do you keep a magnolia tree healthy?
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. It is especially important to keep young trees well-watered until they become established. Fertilize in spring when the flower buds begin to swell with a slow-release fertilizer.
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.
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.
Are magnolias 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.
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.
How do you rejuvenate a magnolia tree?
However, you can try taking the following measures:Soak the soil around the root zone of the plant. ... Set up a patio heater (if you have one) near the plant (but not so close that it actually heats up the foliage). ... Spray an antitranspirant on the tree's leaves to offer some protection.
How can I encourage my magnolia to grow?
Magnolias grow best in fertile, well-drained, slightly acidic soil in full sun. Choose a sheltered spot that is not in a low-lying frost pocket – frost can damage the flowers. If you live in a cold part of the country, choose a variety that flowers later.
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.
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.
How do you help a struggling magnolia tree?
How to save a dying Magnolia treePinpoint the cause of the problem. To be able to provide the right treatment for your dying Magnolia tree, you first need to determine the cause of the problem. ... Rectify any watering issues. ... Go easy with the mulch. ... Fertilize your tree correctly. ... Prune your tree properly.
When should you fertilize magnolia trees?
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.
Why are the leaves on my magnolia tree turning brown?
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.
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?
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. Learning more about magnolia planting and care is a great way to enjoy these trees in your landscape.
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.
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).
What evergreens look good in bloom?
Broadleaf evergreens, like magnolias and camellias, add even more interest, and are beloved for their glossy, year-round foliage and their habit of putting on a show of flowers when nothing else seems to be in bloom. It stands to reason that fertilizer will help these garden kings look their best, but be careful – magnolias ...
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.
What is the name of the plant that eats magnolia leaves?
Aphids. Aphids are known to attack magnolia trees, using their long mouth parts to tap into and suck the plant's fluids from the leaves and stems. Aphids are usually tiny with soft bodies and come in a range of colors from green to yellow to reddish brown. They often congregate together to feed.
What is the pest that eats magnolia trees?
Magnolia Borer. The magnolia borer is a pest that often affect young magnolia trees. It is the larval stage of a tiny beetle that lays its eggs on the trunk of magnolia trees. When the larvae hatch, they bore into the tree and feed, working their way down to the root system.
What are mealy bugs?
Mealybugs. Soft-bodied and wingless, mealybugs are tiny gray to white insects that have slightly segmented bodies covered in a waxy substance. They feed on the fluids of magnolia trees. Mealybugs are often found congregating together on the plant.
What is a magnolia tree?
Magnolias are deciduous, evergreen trees with broad, heavy, oval leaves that are glossy and dark green. They are prized for their beautiful flowers. There are several different species of magnolia, each with its own unique characteristics.
What do scale insects eat?
Scale insects of various kinds, including both armored and soft scales, feed on magnolias.
Do scale insects eat magnolias?
Scale insects of various kinds, including both armored and soft scales, feed on magnolias . In particular, the magnolia scale, one of the largest of the scale insects, prefers magnolias. Although unattractive, even heavy infestations of scale insects do not seem to affect the tree adversely.
Can magnolia borers girdle?
The affected area of the tree appears sunken and spongy. If left untreated, magnolia borers can girdle and kill young trees. Scale insects of various kinds, including both armored and soft scales, feed on magnolias. If left untreated, magnolia borers can girdle and kill young trees.
How many species of magnolia trees are there?
With over 16 species of magnolia trees ( Magnolia spp .) there is some variation in the size and appearance of the tree. While some magnolia trees are evergreen, others are semi-evergreen or deciduous.
What zone is Magnolia Grandiflora?
The popular Southern Magnolia ( Magnolia grandiflora) is hardy only in zones 7 through 10, but others are hardy to zone 5.
Should you fertilize a magnolia tree at planting time?
Yes, but fertilizing the soil is only part of the process. Preparing the soil well for your magnolia tree seedling is important because it requires the correct pH in order for your magnolia tree to uptake the nutrients it needs. Here’s how to get it off to a good start.
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.
