
Your magnolia tree will only require a little care:
- Mulch annually in spring to help retain moisture in warmer months.
- Feed with an acid-balanced controlled-release fertiliser in spring.
- Ensure adequate moisture during hot and/or dry times, especially when plants are young (first 3 years).
What kind of fertilizer does a magnolia tree need?
- Before planting: Work 100 – 150 g / m² (8 – 12 tablespoons) of organic universal fertilizer into the soil.
- Pour the soil and the freshly inserted magnolia well so that the granules can dissolve.
- Every year in spring, apply about 80 – 120 g / m² (6 – 10 tablespoons) to the root disc and water.
When should you fertilize magnolia trees?
- Nutrient supply of the magnolia over a longer period of time through slow decomposition of the fertilizer via microorganisms in the soil
- Promotion of healthy soil life (good for microorganisms, earthworms, etc.)
- Protection of the environment by renouncing chemicals
How do you care for an indoor magnolia tree?
indoor magnolia plant. + Light — Low light or indirect light indoors, does not tolerate direct sun. + Water — Provide it plenty of water to keep moist through spring and summer, reduce watering in the winter. To avoid overwatering, the soil should feel moist to the touch after watering, not wet.
How do I fertilize my Magnolia Tree?
How to grow magnolias in a pot
- Choose a pot at least double the size of the root ball. ...
- Remove the shrub from the container, taking care not to disturb any of the roots.
- Position in hole and backfill, gently firming down. ...
- Water deeply, twice to three times a week, depending on soil and weather conditions.

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.
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.
How do I green up my magnolia tree?
0:072:24Fertilizing Magnolias : Garden Savvy - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipOne of the reasons is they are the highways. And byways of birds. And we've got to keep them lookingMoreOne of the reasons is they are the highways. And byways of birds. And we've got to keep them looking great we've got to keep them flowering a beautiful green leaves. This is Nicholas Stanton from
When should I feed my 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.
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.
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.
Are Coffee Grounds Good for magnolia trees?
Magnolia trees (Magnolia spp.), generally, are among the plants that prefer a soil pH that is acidic. That is the reason why some folks who have a soil that is too alkaline are attracted to the idea of sprinkling coffee grounds on the earth around their magnolia trees.
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.
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.
How do you treat a sick magnolia tree?
Unless your tree is meant to be a showpiece, there's no reason to treat this infection. Instead, support your tree with proper watering and feeding. If you must treat it, use a fungicide and be careful to get all the algal spots at once.
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 you get magnolias 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.
How to acidify magnolia soil?
To acidify the soil around an existing magnolia, work 1/2 pound of sulfur into the top 1 inch of soil for every 100 square feet. Test the pH every four to six weeks and repeat as needed. Advertisement.
What is the pH of a magnolia tree?
Magnolia Trees and Soil pH. Magnolias like moderately acidic soils with a pH of 5.0 to 6.0, and no fertilizer can help them if a higher pH is interfering with their mineral absorption. If a home soil test kit indicates you soil's pH needs lowering, amend it with elemental sulfur at least three months before planting the trees.
What zone do magnolia trees grow in?
Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 3 through the sultry summers of USDA zone 9. If you grow them, use suitably timed fertilizer applications to keep the trees at their flamboyantly blooming best. Advertisement.
Why are my magnolias' leaves turning yellow?
If your magnolias' new leaves are smaller than normal, with green veins against a pale yellow background, suspect iron deficiency. It's due to inadequate iron absorption in high-pH or overly wet soil. For a short-term remedy, spread 1/3 to 1/2 ounce, or the label's suggested amount, of 100-percent chelated Fe-EDDHA granules per 10 square feet, spread over the surface of the root zone. Make the first application before the tree leafs out in spring. Starting 1 foot from the trunk, work out to the drip line and water the granules in. It may require several treatments to restore the leaves' color, and the effects last only one or two years. To prevent future iron deficiency, lower your soil's pH with elemental sulfur and water less.
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.
Ground Rules
Most magnolia trees do best in full sun, with at least 8 hours of direct sunlight. In more southern grow zones, some varieties can tolerate some afternoon shade.
Planting Process
Choose where you want to plant your magnolia tree. Ample planning ahead of time is key, depending on the mature size of your kind of magnolia. Choose a place with full sun, adequate drainage and lots of space for the shallow root system. Dig a hole twice as wide and the same depth as the container your tree arrived in.
Extra Tips
When you receive your Magnolia Tree from Garden Goods Direct, it is possible it has gone through a bit of shock during shipment from being in a dark box - trees don't usually enjoy travelling. This is perfectly natural, and it should recover once in the ground. Symptoms of shipping shock in a tree include mild wilting or mild leaf drop.
What kinds of Magnolia trees are there?
Magnolias are native in a variety of areas, but they can be categorized into two main groups - deciduous and evergreen. There are some that are considered semi-evergreen because while technically deciduous they retain their foliage in warmer climates. Evergreen magnolias are typically characterized by their big glossy leaves that last all year.
Do Magnolia Trees need to be staked?
Taller Magnolias benefit from staking. Be sure to remove the stakes after the tree is established to avoid the guy-wires from cutting into the stem of the tree. Short lengths of garden hose surrounding the wire are an excellent way to protect the trunk from damage from the wire.
Should I prune my Magnolia Tree?
Magnolias rarely need pruning, and they do not respond well to it; it is best to limit how often you prune. Wait to prune until late spring or early summer, and remove any dead branches or branches that cross. If pruning for shape or to use branches for decoration, only prune what you must, less is more.
What do Magnolia Flowers Smell Like?
Magnolias are decadently fragrant, and are a sure way to create a relaxing oasis in your garden when they are in bloom. The scent varies depending on the species, but most are described as having a sweet scent that is very noticable. The notes vary from a light, lemony sweetness to a more spicy, musty scent.
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 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.
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.
Q. The Flower Buds on My Magnolia Tree Aren't Opening Up. How come?
The failure to open is usually the result of poor weather conditions—too much rain or temperatures that are too cold. Another possible cause is an invasion by an insect called a thrip .
Q. This Fall, I've Found Some Funny-Looking Bumps on My Magnolia Trees. Is This Some Sort of Disease?
The "bumps" in this case turn out to be a false alarm. But it's an understandable mistake for a beginner. View the picture in this article to the false alarm that caused the worry; armed with this knowledge, you won't make the same mistake (there's plenty else to worry about without enduring false alarms, right?).
Q. I Have a Southern Magnolia. Its Leaves Have Turned Yellow. Is It Dying?
Southern magnolias are one of the grand trees of the South. When their leaves turn yellow, that may or may not be a sign of a problem. Click the link above to learn more. 1
Q. When Should You Prune Magnolia Trees?
The decision to prune a magnolia tree depends on many factors. The most important one is selecting the best time to prune so that blooming is not interrupted.
Q. I'm Growing a Magnolia Tree in a Container? How Should I Care for It?
Magnolias grown in containers require plenty of sunlight, proper nutritional supplements to the soil, and appropriate watering.
Q. How Do You Control Magnolia Scale?
Scale may appear as a fungus, but it actually an invasion of insects that must be brought under control or the entire tree can die.
Q. There's a Black Coating on My Specimen, and Ants Are Running All Over It. What's Wrong?
Don't assume that the ants and the black coating are the sources of the problem. They're actually both effects, not causes; consider their presence a signal for what's really wrong.
