Japanese Magnolia Tree Care

Japanese magnolia bursts into bloom each spring.

Hail the arrival of spring and grow a Japanese magnolia. When the weather warms, the magnolia sprouts eye-catching fragrant blooms. It's easy to care for this deciduous tree, which is botanically known as Magnolia soulangeana.

Climate

Japanese magnolia flowers come in white, pink and purple.

Japanese magnolias grow throughout warm temperate and subtropical areas of the world. In North America, the tree can be grown in USDA hardiness zones 4 to 9.

Planting Location

Locate Japanese magnolia in sun to partial shade. When you choose a planting site, consider that these trees generally grow 20 to 25 feet and spread 15 to 25 feet. They can also be grown in above-ground planters or large containers.

Soil Requirements

Japanese magnolias prefer a rich, well-draining soil that is slightly on the acidic side. Amend with generous amounts of organic matter such as compost when planting and add a 2- to 3-inch layer of mulch.

Watering

Keep Japanese magnolia trees evenly moist, but never soggy. It is especially important to make certain that they are kept well-watered during times of high heat and drought.

Fertilizing

Feed Japanese magnolias if new growth is weak or sparse or if the plant appears to be suffering from chlorosis, a condition that causes yellowing leaves. Use a well-balanced controlled-release fertilizer.

References

• University of Florida IFAS Extension:Magnolia x Soulangiana 'Alexandrina'
• Floridata: Magnolia x soulangeana
• "Sunset Western Garden"; Kathleen Norris Brenzel; 2001

Resources

• University of Kentucky: Magnolia Scale