Magnolia Tree Care & Soil Acidity

Striking magnolia flowers catch the viewers eye.

Evergreen, drought tolerant, disease resistant, easy to grow and covered with beautiful blossoms, magnolia trees are found in clement climates around the world. There are 80 different species of magnolia trees and several hundred hybrids and cultivators. From full sized magnolias, that reach heights over 100 feet, to small specimen trees that only reach 8 to 10 feet at maturity, there is a magnolia tree species ideal for any landscape design.

Magnolias Are Easy To Grow

Magnolia tree presents spring flowers.

Magnolias are fast growing trees and grow well in nutrient rich soil in full sun. Magnolias are also tolerant of shaded growing conditions. They do best in warm, humid climates. Magnolia trees are one of the easiest trees to raise. They are not subject to infestations by invasive insects, they tolerate periods of drought and are resistant to diseases which affect many other shade trees. Although the majority of magnolia species fare best in temperate climates, there are several varieties that do well in the colder northern zones. Leonard Messel, Merrill and Star (Magnolia kobus) magnolias can tolerate the cold winter weather and are planted for shade trees in US hardiness zones 6 to 9. Cucumber Tree (Magnolia acuminata) is another variety of magnolia that does well in the north. (The flowers of the Cucumber Tree are not impressive in comparison to other magnolia species. It is cultivated primarily for the shade provided by its luxurious evergreen foliage.)

Magnolias Propagation

Magnolia blosoms brighten the spring day.

Magnolia trees are propagated from stem cuttings. Select new growth at least 1/4 inch around. Cut sections 6 to 8 inches long. Remove all but the top two leaves. Fill small pots with a mixture of equal parts of top soil, sand and peat moss. Plant twigs 2 inches deep in each pot. Keep moist but not saturated until new growth appears and the new starts are firmly established. Magnolias do not transplant well. Plant the new tree shoot in a permanent site.

Magnolia Flowers

Magnolias offer brilliant blooms.

Magnolia flowers are magnificent. Depending on the species, magnolias present colors in creamy shades of white, ivory, lemon yellow, dusty rose, pale pink, reddish and glorious purple hues. Most magnolia species bloom early in the spring and provide a breath taking display of fragrant flowers. Some species of magnolia do not bloom until they are several years old.

Magnolia Maintenance

Evergreen magnolia leaves glow in sunlight.

Many magnolia tree species are messy, dropping leaves and flowers year around. Gardening experts advise planting them away from foundations, patios, driveways and sidewalks. The leaves and flower debris can be a nuisance, however the biggest concern is damage to concrete structure from the magnolia's expansive root system. Magnolias require little in the way of pruning, however Star Magnolias tend to produce multiple stems and a disperse canopy. This tendency can by controlled by pruning in a manner that favors one main stem. Mulch around the base of magnolia trees with organic compost to replenish vital nutrients. The leaves of the magnolia tree can also be used as a mulch. The decomposing leaves add important nitrogen to the soil.

Feeding Magnolias

Magnolia flowers come in many beautiful shades.

All species of magnolia trees benefit from regular applications of an organic fertilizer. Choose a rose-type fertilizer, rich in iron and sulfur. Aged manure from herbivores (cow, sheep, goat, lamas, horses) is an excellent choice. Work in generous amounts of manure into the soil at the base of the tree every spring.

References

• University of Minnesota Extension: Magnolias For Minnesota
• Floridata: Magnolia grandiflora
• Gardening In Georgia: Magnolia Care
• Ed Hume Seeds: Magnolias