
- 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. Choose a slow-release fertilizer that contains only nitrogen or with approximately three times more nitrogen than phosphorous.
- Deep Feeding. The roots of a magnolia are very close to the surface and are easily damaged. ...
- Fertilizer Damage. Magnolias are easily damaged by overfertilization. Salt damage from fertilizers is recognized by leaf edges that look brown and burned.
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 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.
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.
What do magnolia trees need to thrive?
Magnolia Growing ConditionsSoil: Slightly acidic, moist, loose, well-draining soil. ... Hardiness: Grow best in Zones 7-10, depending on variety, with a few cultivars hardy to zone 5.Light: Full sun to partial shade. ... Water: Magnolias benefit from irrigation the first few years, then they are tolerant of moderate drought.More items...
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.
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 fertilize a magnolia tree?
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.
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.
How do you bring a magnolia tree back to life?
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.
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 you tell if a magnolia tree is healthy?
0:071:25How to Tell if a Young Magnolia Is Doing Well? : Garden SavvyYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipBehind me I have one of my favorite magnolias a little gem and clearly this plant is not doing wellMoreBehind me I have one of my favorite magnolias a little gem and clearly this plant is not doing well there's a lot of dead browning leaves and as you can see there's a lot of openness.
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.
What nutrients do magnolias need?
Specific nutrient needs vary based on your soil type. Rose feeders are particularly beneficial for most magnolia trees, which need a good supply of magnesium, sulfur and iron, according to Ed Hume Seeds. Iron prevents chlorosis, a nutrient deficiency to which magnolias are especially susceptible. The primary symptom of iron chlorosis is yellowing ...
When should I fertilize magnolia trees?
These include bone meal, cottonseed meal, decayed manure and fish scraps. It's best to apply organic fertilizers in January or February to avoid overfeeding, according to the Mississippi Forestry Commission.
Where do magnolia trees grow?
Magnolia trees provide color and texture for your landscape. The trees grow best in America's coastal regions and produce showy flowers when planted in the right garden conditions.
Why are my magnolias yellow?
Iron prevents chlorosis, a nutrient deficiency to which magnolias are especially susceptible. The primary symptom of iron chlorosis is yellowing between the leaf veins. High phosphorus fertilizers will encourage blossom growth for magnolias that struggle to produce blooms.
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.
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 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.
