Magnolias grown in the ground will typically require only mulch, and will not need additional feeding. When grown in pots, however, some additional liquid feed may be helpful. Feeding magnolias grown in containers in early spring with a high phosphorus and potassium liquid feed can promote healthy growth and encourage more abundant flowering.
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.
Do magnolia trees have roots in pots?
Remember magnolias are trees and will have a complex root system that needs feeding and watering, more than other plants in containers. Magnolia roots grow very quickly and intricately, so getting the right size and shape of the container is of ultimate importance.
How do you care for a magnolia tree in a pot?
Because the tree roots cannot search outside the pot for soil moisture, be sure to water regularly, and make sure your pot has sufficient drainage holes to prevent water from accumulating in the pot. Magnolias like cool roots, so keep a layer of mulch on the soil's surface.
What kind of soil do magnolia trees need?
But they do need the right soil, light, water, and feeding to thrive. In general, magnolias prefer well-draining soil that is slightly acidic to neutral. But this can vary depending on the tree type, so check with your nursery when you buy your tree.
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.
How do you feed a magnolia?
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.
How often should I water my potted magnolia tree?
Water several times a week for the first few months to keep the soil moist but not soggy. Once your tree is established, you can back off a little on water. Furthermore, during the summer months, use a 20-5-10 fertilizer to keep your tree healthy and to optimize flowering.
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.
Can you use Miracle Grow on 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.
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.
How do you take care of a potted magnolia tree?
3:263:41How To Grow Magnolia Trees In Pots: Magnolia Care Tips - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipWith something rich in potash to promote flowering magnolia is flower best in full sun incorrectMoreWith something rich in potash to promote flowering magnolia is flower best in full sun incorrect acidity of the soil may be the problem of your magnolia not blooming.
When should I fertilize my magnolia tree?
Don't fertilize your magnolias at all during the first year after planting. Starting in their second spring and for the next three years, feed them with organic, 5-5-5 granulated fertilizer every other month from March through September. After the fourth year, cut back to March and July feedings.
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.
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.
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 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.
When should I fertilize my magnolia?
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 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 keep a magnolia tree healthy?
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...
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 kind of soil do magnolias like?
In general, magnolias prefer well-draining soil that is slightly acidic to neutral. But this can vary depending on the tree type, so check with your nursery when you buy your tree. Amend the soil with compost, and, if desired, add a little peat moss or sand to keep the right moisture balance.
How tall can magnolia trees grow?
When looking for the perfect show-stopping tree, a magnolia is a great option. And while standard magnolia varieties can reach up to 80 feet tall, several smaller cultivars max out at 20 feet. This means it's doable to grow them in a container that can be moved to suit your space's (and your tree's) needs.
Can magnolias be grown indoors?
But remember that planting in containers gives you flexibility in terms of temperature. You might be able to overwinter your magnolia indoors if your climate is too cold for your desired cultivar.
Can magnolias grow in a container?
The first consideration when growing a magnolia in a container is the container itself. If the container will only be a temporary home for the tree before you plant it in the ground, then you can select one that's just slightly larger than the tree's root ball.
How big should a magnolia tree container be?
For example, if a mature tree has a trunk diameter of 5 cm, then the container needs to be 1.5 m in height and 1.5 m in diameter. As you can imagine this is quite a large container, requiring a lot of compost, feed, and watering.
How tall do dwarf magnolias grow?
This is especially true of the giant varieties. Dwarf varieties that grow less than 3 m in height, will do well in containers. Varieties such as Magnolia ‘Red Lucky’ that grows up to 1.8m can be used.
Why do you need to dig a hole in compost?
Moisture needs to be retained as to make the compost neither too wet nor too dry. As typical when planting any tree, you will need to dig a hole twice the size of the root ball. This is carried out to allow the roots to grow freely and without hindrance.
Can you backfill ericaceous compost?
You then backfill with multipurpose compost, making sure that the compost is firmed in. As an alternative to multipurpose , ericaceous compost can be used but as this is more expensive than other types of compost, and therefore it is not recommended to use unless you can afford it.
Can magnolias be moved into a greenhouse?
Generally, magnolias love the sun, then containers offer a distinct advantage that it can be moved to any location in the garden to maximize sunlight exposure. It will also allow the magnolia tree to be moved into the greenhouse or conservatory in winter to offer maximum protection from severe frosts.
When do magnolias bloom?
When you think about magnolia trees, your first thought is of a majestic plant, growing in well-kept lawns or in large gardens, bearing large pink or white flowers in early spring. You see them in gardens but never in pots due to their large root system.
Do magnolias grow in containers?
If you are going to use a container, you will get a level of control that is not available to those who grow directly in the ground, so that it may grow better than normal. Generally, magnolias love the sun, then containers offer a distinct advantage that it can be moved to any location in the garden to maximize sunlight exposure.
What is the best fertilizer for magnolias?
Controlled-release fertiliser is best for acid-loving plants; give them a good feed in spring. You can also feed your magnolia in the autumn and winter with a soil improver, to encourage strong root development.
What is the climate of magnolias?
Magnolias enjoy a temperate climate with a chilly, moist winter followed by a warm, moist summer.
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.
How long do magnolias sulk?
Deciduous magnolias sometimes sulk for the first three to four years and refuse to flower. Cajole them by digging in good compost before planting.
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.
Do magnolias need water?
Magnolias require regular water ing during their growing season and in hot weather.
What do you need to grow a magnolia tree?
Things You'll Need. Container or planter. Potting soil. Compost. Fertilizer (slow release) Insulation wrap. Pruning shears. Magnolia trees produce aromatic flowers in a variety of colors. Magnolias are a genus of about 100 species of flowering trees, ranging from 10-foot dwarf species to soaring 100-foot trees.
How tall do magnolias grow?
Select a pot that can sufficiently contain the roots of the tree, allowing them some extra space. Consider the ultimate height of your magnolia. Sweetbay magnolia can reach 30 feet, while the southern magnolia can reach 80 feet. To reach their full size and maximum life span, small trees need a planter with 4 feet by 4 feet by 4 feet (64 cubic feet) of space, but they can be restricted to a shorter height with proper care.
Why are my magnolia roots freezing?
Magnolia roots are susceptible to freezing during winter and suffering from dry heat during summer as a result of being exposed above ground. Well-insulated pots and careful attention to extreme weather conditions are necessary to avert these problems.
Do magnolia trees need acidic soil?
Whichever type you grow, the tree will benefit from rich acidic soil and protection of its roots. Since the magnolia's surface roots are sensitive to disturbance, they are a good candidate for containers, provided they receive proper care. The flowers of the species vary in color and appearance but are usually fragrant.
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.
How long does it take for magnolias to grow?
The good news is that they are slow growing, and 'Little Gem', for example, a type of southern magnolia (Magnolia grandiflora), will take 20 years to reach 20 feet.
When do magnolias bloom?
It develops lemon-scented creamy white blooms in late spring to early summer. To help container-grown magnolias survive, it's important to use a potting mix that contains lots of organic matter (see the potting mix package for a list of ingredients).
Do magnolias like to water?
Magnolias like cool roots , so keep a layer of mulch on the soil's surface.
