
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.
What to feed a magnolia tree?
Discussion in ' Trees ' started by Xris, Jul 3, 2012. Was wondering if to feed a magnolia tree and if so what type of feed to use and when. I did read that all you should do is mulch around it. Cheers. Any well-rotted organic matter will do as a feed for your magnolia; horse manure, compost, leaf litter etc.
How do you fertilize a Magnolia grandiflora?
Fertilize the magnolia tree in early spring with an acid-based, slow-release fertilizer spread per the package instructions under the tree’s canopy. Using a fertilizer appropriate for azaleas, gardenias or rhododendrons is sufficient. Prune the magnolia grandiflora after flowering to remove any dead wood or weak branches.
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 kind of mulch do you put around Magnolia trees?
Benefits of Mulch. While sprinkling granular fertilizer under the Little Gem magnolia tree's branches provides a nutritional boost for growth, using an organic mulch can prove nearly as effective. An acid-forming mulch--pine bark, shredded oak leaves, pine straw or coffee ground compost--decomposes to release nutrients into the soil.

How do you fertilize Magnolia grandiflora?
2:134:40Fertilizer for Little Gem Magnolia Trees - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipIf growing in the pot. Then fertilize six inch away from the trunk. If your magnolia new leaves areMoreIf growing in the pot. Then fertilize six inch away from the trunk. If your magnolia new leaves are smaller than normal with green veins against pale yellow background.
When should I fertilize my magnolia tree?
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 much fertilizer does a magnolia need?
You will need 3 to 6 holes evenly-spaced around the tree, depending on the size of the tree. Fill the holes half filled with granular fertilizer. You will need a total of 2 pounds of fertilizer for each inch of trunk diameter of the tree. Divide this evenly between the holes.
How do you fertilize a magnolia bush?
0:522:24Fertilizing Magnolias : Garden Savvy - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipWe always fertilize to the drip line and the drip line is actually where the branches end as theMoreWe always fertilize to the drip line and the drip line is actually where the branches end as the plant gets older. So you will increase the fertilizer.
What is the best feed for magnolias?
Feeding Magnolia Trees Use a liquid ericaceous fertiliser, such as Miracle-Gro Liquid Ericaceous Plant food.
How do you care for a magnolia grandiflora?
Right in the middle of the South Downs on solid chalk. Equally happy on acid or alkali soil, chalk, sand or clay. If grown in the shade, they tend to grow a bit thin so full sun to partial shade would seem best. Magnolia grandiflora is hardy and reliable but in this country is often slow to establish.
Is Miracle Grow good for magnolia trees?
Best All-Purpose Fertilizer Help get new Magnolia plantings established, especially when planted in nutrient-depleted soil with this water-soluble feed. Can be used for a wide variety of garden fertilizing requirements. To see Magnolias through the rest of summer post-flowering, you need Miracle-Gro Shake N' Feed.
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.
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.
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 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.
Do magnolia trees need potassium?
In addition aiding plant metabolism, potassium is key for root growth in plants. It works well in tandem with phosphorus, because their jobs overlap. And since it supports strong, dense rooting, it is especially important for young southern magnolias still developing their root systems.
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 do I get my magnolia to bloom?
Magnolias can grow in shade but they bloom best and most generously in full sun. Soil quality might also have a role in the problem. It is best to use rich, acidic, well-drained soil with a pH of 5.5 to 6.5, amended with organic material. A soil test can help explain why a magnolia tree doesn't flower.
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.
What animals eat magnolia seeds?
Their seeds represent a nice source of food for squirrels, quail, opossums, and turkey. Half of the seeds can germinate and are spread in the wild with the help of several birds and mammals. The timber collected from Magnolia trees is highly appreciated for its hardiness and heaviness.
How many Magnolia grandifloras are there?
Specialists have developed over 150 Magnolia grandiflora cultivars, but only 30-40 of them still exist and only a few are propagated and sold at large. The most popular companions for these trees are hostas, ferns, Arum and Calla lilies, camellias, daffodils, and Elephant ears (Colocasia).
How many species of magnolias are there?
Southern magnolias belong to the ancient Magnolia genus that contains about 210 species of flowering plants.
What color are magnolia leaves?
Magnolia grandiflora plants come along with eye-catching foliage. The typical dark green leaves can turn into beautiful shades of yellow, brown, and even red underneath. Their leaves are broadly ovate with smooth margins.
How tall is a magnolia tree?
Magnolias are medium-sized to large flowering trees that can up to 120 feet (37 m) in height. The average size of cultivated plants is somewhere near 90 feet (27.5 m). In general, Magnolia trees have a single stem (trunk) and their overall growth resembles the shape of a pyramid.
Why are my magnolias turning yellow?
When having an improper watering routine, your Magnolias will show it! If your trees exhibit yellow or brown leaves, it may be an indicator that they don’t get enough water. On the other hand, over-watered trees or soil that does not drain well can result in root rot and a leggy overall appearance.
What does Grandiflora mean?
The curious specific epithet “Grandiflora” comes from the words “grandis” and “flor-“, which mean “large” and, respectively, “flower” in Latin. Southern magnolias can produce seeds only when they reach 10 years of age. Their seeds represent a nice source of food for squirrels, quail, opossums, and turkey.
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 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 ...
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.
What type of soil do magnolias like?
Southern magnolias do best in moist, well-drained, loamy, acidic, and fertile soils. However, they can tolerate a wide range of conditions and pH levels. Overly dry or prolonged waterlogged conditions and high alkalinity aren't appreciated.
Why are magnolias so popular?
Southern magnolias are relatively low maintenance, providing they are not growing in a region with extremes in temperatures or prolonged droughts.
What is a magnolia tree?
The southern magnolia ( Magnolia Grandiflora) is a beautiful, adaptable evergreen tree known for its large, fragrant, white flowers and lustrous dark green leaves that grow on the conical crown. The fall fruit will attract birds to your landscape .
How to keep a seedling in the winter?
When the seedlings are large enough to handle, move them into a light shade position. Keeping them in a cold frame or greenhouse for their first full winter is beneficial.
What to look for when collecting seeds from a tree?
If you are collecting seeds from an existing tree, look for red, oily, fleshy, ripe ones
Can magnolias grow in a lawn?
Because of their messy leaf drop in the spring and fall, they aren't always a good choice for a lawn. Planting in an ornamental bed means you can use the robust leaf debris can as a natural mulching material .
Do magnolias need sun?
Once established, they can do well in a full sun position in moist, rich soils. Ideally, your tree should receive at least four hours of unfiltered sunlight a day. In the winter months, in northern states, it will need protection from too much direct sunlight.
How to grow magnolias in a container?
Remove the magnolia from its container and inspect the roots. If they are wrapping around in a circle, make two to three vertical slashes through the root ball . Place the magnolia into the hole and cover with soil, being sure to plant no deeper than the tree was growing in the container.
Where is Magnolia native to?
Magnolia (Magnolia grandiflora) is native to the southeastern regions of the United States and Asia.
How big is a magnolia tree trunk?
Magnolia grandiflora trees have large, rope-like roots making them a difficult transplant prospect, especially if the trunk is larger than four inches in diameter . Gardeners will have better success transplanting magnolia trees with trunks smaller than four inches in diameter.
How tall is a magnolia tree?
Gardeners will find containerized trees in a vast array of sizes from two to three feet tall to ten feet tall. If the tree is too large for the container, the roots are possibly root bound and the tree may not grow properly. Magnolia (Magnolia grandiflora) is native to the southeastern regions of the United States and Asia.
Where is the Magnolia plant located?
Their primary United States location is along the Coastal Plains stretching south from North Carolina through the lower southern states to southeast Texas. Trees are large, growing anywhere ...
Is magnolia a good plant for coastal planting?
Pests are generally not a problem. Magnolia grandiflora has a high wind and salt tolerance making it a good species for coastal plantings. Warnings. Magnolia grandiflora trees have large, rope-like roots making them a difficult transplant prospect, especially if the trunk is larger than four inches in diameter.
Do magnolia trees need power lines?
Trees grow quite large and require adequate space for proper growth, so consider any structures or power lines that the tree can interfere with when selecting a site. Select a site to grow your magnolia grandiflora that receives full to partial sun throughout the day.
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.
How to water a tree before planting?
An hour before planting, water the tree thoroughly. Dig a hole roughly twice the width of the plant's container in the sunniest spot in your garden, somewhere with well-draining soil that won't become waterlogged.
Do you repot magnolias?
We advise that you repot your magnolia regularly, as peat free compost tires quickly. Look out for the following signs that your magnolia needs repotting:
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.
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 to get nutrients out of little gem tree?
Instead, use slow-release granular fertilizer products. The granules weather away slowly over three to ten months, trickling nutrients downward to the roots after rains.
Do you need synthetic fertilizer for magnolias?
Don't assume you need to apply synthetic fertilizers in your garden. Conduct a soil test with the help of your local cooperative extension office to determine which, if any, nutrients are lacking in your yard. Based on the test results, you can make a more informed decision as to which fertilizer formulas, and which nutrients, are more vital to use on your property to encourage the magnolia tree's performance.
Do magnolias grow slow?
Southern magnolias are always rather slow-growing, even when planted in fertile garden soils and well-maintained. Soils rich in humus or widely amended with compost or well-rotted manure usually provide ample nutrients for a healthy Little Gem tree. However, pockets of sandy or other infertile soils can arise on any property, causing a tree to falter. Applying fertilizer in late winter to early spring each year helps the Little Gem magnolia develop strong, robust new growth before the start of summer.
Can you fertilize magnolias?
Do not use liquid fertilizers on magnolia trees. Rain and irrigation after application quickly leaches the nutrients away from the Little Gem tree's broad but shallow roots. Instead, use slow-release granular fertilizer products. The granules weather away slowly over three to ten months, trickling nutrients downward to the roots after rains. Focus on well-balanced formulations, such as 8-8-8 or 10-10-10. Products with traces of micronutrients such as magnesium, iron and manganese are always beneficial.
