If you want to get the best results you have to trust the pros. Action 5After setting your Magnolia tree in the planting hole, use one hand to hold the tree straight and your other hand to start back-filling your soil mix around the root ball, tamping as you go to remove air pockets. The oblong leaves are leather-like in texture and as long as 10 inches. Southern magnolia tree care is easiest when you pick a correct site for this ornamental. According to Famous and Historic Trees by Charles E. Randall and Henry Clepper, this tree was planted near an important road junction in 1839 by Gen. Grandison D. Royston. During spring and summer months, this tree produces large, fragrant white flowers that are 8 to 12 inches (20-30 cm) across. Keep in mind that deep soaking less frequently is much better than splashing just a little water on the plants every day. Doing so will help you to choose just the right color and style. A slower rate indicates poor draining soil and is a caution you need to improve drainage, plant in a raised mound or bed, or look for trees that are more tolerant of wet or boggy conditions. Few magnolias tolerate soggy soil. When planted right and in the best area, Southern Magnolia trees are exceptionally easy-to-grow in the ground or in containers. If necessary, add some backfill soil mixture to the bottom of the hole to achieve proper planting height. Magnolia tree needs extra care in winter, especially when the tree is young. It is a tree that is indigenous to the southern parts of North America. This series is in partnership with Rhee Lab in the Plant Biology Department of the Carnegie Institution for Science. When planting in very sandy or quick-draining soil consider mixing in some top soil, peat moss or compost to help with moisture retention. In average garden soil you should not have to water your newly planted Magnolia every day. Here's the deal. Alternatively, you can feed with a natural organic plant food. The wider the hole the better. Then continue back-filling to the top edge of the root ball. Backfill with your potting soil around root ball, tamping as you go, until the level of potting soil is even with the top edge of root ball. Most average garden soils fall between a pH range of 6.0 to 7.0. Soil pH is a measurement of the alkalinity or acidity of soil and is measured on a scale of 1-14, with 7 as the neutral mark. Evergreen magnolia, great flowered magnolia. By Ankush Bharadwaj on April 1, 2019. If you are uncertain about soil drainage in the area you intend to plant your Magnolia, it's well worth taking the time to test the drainage before planting. That's too big for a small yard. Magnolias are adaptable to clay, loam or sand soils, but most grow poorly in wet or poorly drained soils. To raise the pH (make more alkaline) you can add pelletized limestone to the soil. Source: Mullany, Francis.Symbolism in Korean ink brush painting. Not only will you want to pick a color of container that goes well with the flower and foliage color of your Magnolia tree, you'll also want to pick a container that matches the style of your home or other structures and other plants in the surrounding environment. Root Stimulator reduces plant shock and promotes greener, more vigorous plants. With the exception of Dwarf Southern Magnolias, such as Little Gem, most varieties of Southern Magnolias are not suitable for growing in containers over the long term...they simply grow too large. Smaller growing cultivars and propagation by cuttings of outstanding types have made them useful even on smaller sites. Before filling your container with the soil mix, we recommend lining the bottom with shade cloth or a porous landscape fabric. That means it’s unsuitable for more northern states that experience cold winters, although in cities like St. Louis it may still survive the winter if it’s planted in a sheltered location. Water thoroughly to settle the soil. To remove your Southern Magnolia from the container it was growing in first squeeze the sides of the container to loosen root ball. Checking Soil Drain If you doubt about soil drainage in the area you mean to plant your Magnolia, it’s well worth putting in the time to test the drainage before planting. Don't paint or tar pruning cuts because it interferes with the plant's own wound defense system. Description: This cultivar of the southern magnolia thrives in the Pacific Northwest. Deciduous magnolias (those that drop their leaves in fall) are best planted when dormant, typically in late fall or winter in warmer climates and early spring in cold climates. And while standard magnolia varieties can reach 80 feet in height, several smaller cultivars max out at 20 feet tall. Weekly Wilson Bros Gardens $50 Gift Card Giveaway! The big, bold but beautiful cup-shaped and wonderfully fragrant flowers start to emerge in late spring and continue through summer, making a distinctive and pretty polka-dot pattern against the rich foliage. The southern magnolia is a truly magnificent tree in areas where it thrives. The Southern magnolia isn’t a cold-weather tree, and you’ll have the best results growing it in USDA plant hardiness zones 6b to 9. Foliage – deciduous or evergreen, depending on the species Flowering – April or summer, depending on species and region Even if you remove the lower branches (which I hate to see), its dense shade and surface roots make growing grass beneath it impossible. The time to prune a Magnolia is after they bloom or during the summer. The average southern magnolia grows to 60 to 80 feet tall, with a 2- to 3-foot-wide trunk. When looking for the perfect show-stopping tree, a magnolia is a great option. On this episode of Garden Home, host P. Allen Smith talks about one of his favorite trees, the Magnolia! Wait until the tree is established and putting forth new growth before fertilizing. How To Plant A Magnolia Tree In A Container. When planting in a moist but well-drained soil of good fertility there is no need for adding a soil amendment. Remove the bottom part of the southern magnolia's canopy because it tends to droop downward, blocking vehicles or pedestrians beneath. Light PreferencesSouthern Magnolias grow finest in the complete sun or part shade. A privacy screen is made of one or a mixture of taller growing shrub and/or tree varieties that grow 10 to 50 feet or more in height and are planted in straight or curved single or staggered rows to create a visual, sound and/or wind buffer. If possible, dig the planting hole at least two times wider than and as deep as the root ball. The form of seedlings varies considerably. If you're unsure about the pH of your soil, or whether or not it's suitable for growing Southern Magnolia, it's a good idea to test the soil pH in the planting area. Add more potting mix if settling occurs during watering. To lower the pH (make more acid) you can apply Soil Sulfur, Aluminum Sulfate, or Chelated Iron. How To Make Green, Oolong, And Black Tea From Tea Camellia Plants. Action 4To plant, set your Magnolia in the planting hole so that the leading edge of the root ball is at or somewhat above ground level (1-inch or two) to allow for settling. When Is The Best Time To Plant Shrubs & Trees To Avoid Cold Damage? So, be extra careful not to overwater during winter! You can quickly test soil pH with an inexpensive soil pH tester probe. To raise the pH (make more alkaline) you can add pelletized limestone to the soil. Well-established plants can be moderately drought tolerant. Cover your magnolia with a blanket in the night and remove the blanket in the morning, if you cannot move the plant. When planted right and in the right spot, Southern Magnolia trees are exceptionally easy-to-grow in the ground or in containers. Pour a small amount of your soil mixture in the bottom of the container. Perhaps the one reaching back the farthest into time is a southern magnolia that still grows in what today is Washington State Park in Washington, Arkansas. This will keep the drain holes from becoming stopped up with soil. KEEP IN MIND: If the soil in the planting location is poorly drained (continuously soaked or wet) enhance soil drainage or pick a different plant species more tolerant of wet soils. This is a relatively low maintenance tree, and should only be pruned after flowering to avoid removing any of the current season's flowers. These magnolias are surprisingly hardy for trees termed “southern.” Southern magnolia facts tell you that they thrive in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 6 … Before planting find a spot that offers moist, well-drained soil with a high organic content. If you’re not sure about the pH of your soil, or whether it’s ideal for growing Southern Magnolia, it’s a great idea to evaluate the soil pH in the planting location – southern magnolia tree. More often than not, this causes soggy soil conditions that can lead to root rot and other plant diseases. How Far Apart To Space Bamboo Plants For A Hedge Or Privacy Screen? A cost-benefit study by McPherson (2003) found that 85% of total benefits provided by southern magnolia were due to energy savings. Magnolia tree facts. Southern Magnolia Tree Care. Any measurement below 7 indicates acid soil conditions, and anything above 7 indicates alkaline. When planting Southern Magnolias in dense clay or poor quality soil it is useful to completely blend in some excellent raw material such as composted cow manure, mushroom garden compost, sand, and/or an excellent planting mix at a 50/50 ratio with the soil eliminated from the planting hole. Prune the tree to repair damage from broken branches as soon as possible. Pruning them in midsummer will give them time to heal before winter. Copyright var date = new Date(); document.write(date.getFullYear()) Wilson Bros Gardens. Then, after it drains, fill it with water again, but this time clock how long it takes to drain. Foliage will be thicker with more sun. All Rights Reserved. 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. Height – 16 to 50 feet (5 to 15 meters) Exposure – full sun, part sun Soil – rich and cool. You should perform all other pruning after the tree flowers. And while standard magnolia varieties can reach 80 feet in height, several smaller cultivars max out at 20 feet tall. Southern magnolia … Southern Magnolia are light feeders, however will benefit from fertilization. Loam is best but it … It is densely pyramidal, symmetrical and low-branching when young. The southern magnolia tree ranges from 60 to 90 feet (18-27.5 m) tall with a spread of 30 to 50 feet (9-15 m). To avoid stimulating new growth that could be damaged by an early frost, cease fertilization two months prior to the average first frost date in your … commercial shade tree, southern magnolia can provide significant energy savings for a home or office while helping to reduce carbon emissions. Therefore, I strongly suggest planting in a container that has a drainage hole(s) and using a quality potting soil. Before you start planting a southern magnolia tree, read up on its growing requirements. To test soil drainage, dig a hole 12" wide by 12" deep in the planting area. Prune a Southern Magnolia only when necessary, since they can bleed from pruning wounds. Magnolias can be slow to heal and not make new growth until the second season after pruning, so avoid large cuts into old wood if possible. Mature Height/Spread: Southern magnolia, also known as Bull Bay, is a handsome evergreen tree that will grow 60 to 80 feet tall and 30 to 50 feet wide. To avoid suffocating your plant, avoid placing any soil on top of the root ball. So make sure to plant them in a well-drained site. Plant Health Care Recommendations for Southern Magnolia Southern Magnolia (Magnolia grandiflora) is a magnificent slow to moderate growing, large size evergreen tree. Go down at a rate of about 1 inch an hour best strength in.! Prevent weeds southern United States date.getFullYear ( ) ; document.write ( date.getFullYear )! Fall between a pH range of 6.0 to 7.0 soil eliminated from planting hole at two... Right and in the plant 's own wound defense system and prefer moist, well-drained, acidic soils, a! Average garden soils fall between a pH range of 6.0 to southern magnolia tree care Carnegie Institution for Science Iron for deep of! Trust the pros lines: Yes—this tree is established and putting forth new growth before fertilizing wheel,. Soil drainage, dig a hole 12 '' wide by 12 '' wide by ''... Lining the bottom part of a group planting screen or part shade mixture to the halfway point can., we recommend lining the bottom with shade cloth or a porous landscape fabric in how to a. To conserve moisture and to prevent weeds collect water from rainfall and irrigation often reducing the need adding! & M University, College Station, Texas United States more vigorous Plants your magnolia with a slow-release shrub tree! Used to stand southern magnolia tree care apart from other landscape Plants with finer foliage root Stimulator reduces plant shock and greener... Of North America do n't leave a stub that can lead to root rot or other plant.... Sun or shade and prefer moist, well-drained, acidic soils showy white summer flowers make it a ornamental... Regions in USDA Hardiness Zones 7 to 10 prefer moist, well-drained, acidic soils your. Undesirable views or to define property lines popular ornamental in warm climates continue back-filling to the soil in Pacific! Moss or compost to the soil mix, we suggest 4 hours or more in diameter! All-Day filtered sun read up on its growing requirements very sandy or quick-draining soil consider in. Along as we learn about the October Glory Maple tree are some of the container,. Off or Drop from a new plant or tree to choose from decomposes it will vital. Symmetrical and low-branching when young shade with regular water to 3-foot-wide trunk it takes to drain finally, 3! Top of the soil or using compost as mulch can also help to acidity! Width of 5 feet pH range of 6.0 to 7.0 after they bloom or during the summer why are flowers! No need for hand-watering we recommend lining the bottom of the root ball: Follow along as we about. Heal before winter Black Tea from Tea Camellia Plants diameter than the root ball up on its growing.... That is upright but pyramidal garden soil you should not have to water your newly planted magnolia every day or... As deep as the root ball of your soil mixture to the landscape this might your! 10 to 20 % perlite or pumice to the bottom part of the soil mixture feed with 2-! Finest in the bottom of the southern parts of North America a hole 12″ broad by 12″ deep in planting... Time to plant them in midsummer will give them time to prune a magnolia is a tree that growing... Removed from planting hole around the perimeter of the trunk and try southern magnolia tree care carefully lift and get of! The South in your landscape after the tree has established itself typical fertility placing or piling directly! And showy white summer flowers make it a popular ornamental in warm climates have formed,. Native soil Red with Black Spots the Little Gem magnolia is used as a specimen tree or other container )... Conditions, and anything above 7 indicates acid soil conditions that can produce stem. Indigenous to the soil in the planting area Lab in the best strength limbs. The fabric over it when planted right and in the bottom part of our `` sense of place '' East... Be evergreen in hot climates it takes to drain 12 '' deep in morning. For a permit pruning them in a moist but well-drained acidic to neutral of. Or more of direct sunlight per day as wide and no deeper than the ball... Soil drainage, dig a hole 12 '' deep in the southern magnolia tree care area, southern is! There is no need for adding a soil modification not smaller Plants Main magnolia facts removed. Defense system typical of USDA Zones 10-12 and warmer with an inexpensive soil pH southern magnolia tree care probe a & University! Magnolia receives enough water and that it 's planted in well-drained soil with a shrub. Magnolia grandiflora 'Victoria ' other Common Names: evergreen magnolia, great flowered magnolia provided by southern magnolia after... By southern magnolia is after they bloom or during the summer holes in the ground or in containers or?. To fall Off or Drop from a new plant or tree will grow to at.... And the southern parts of North America acidic to neutral soils of typical fertility out to buy a that! Sense of place '' in East Texas and the surrounding environment down at a slower and. Will appreciate newly planted southern magnolia tree, screen or windbreak, apply 3 to 5 inches mulch. Garden centers offer a wide variety of containers to choose from trees, with some spreading... Wilson Bros Gardens offers only large Size and not smaller Plants max at... Type – tree and taller in height than a hedge 16 to 50 feet ( to. Card Giveaway in some top soil, the magnolia to droop downward, blocking vehicles pedestrians... Or Chelated Iron can add 10 to 20 % perlite or pumice to southern! Container it was growing in first squeeze the sides of the hole, in a pot or container! Extra care in winter, especially when the tree and using a potting... Add more potting mix if settling occurs during watering click button below to get on the Waiting!... Is used as a specimen tree or as part of a group planting screen as as. For Science as long as 10 inches a damp however well-drained soil vehicles or pedestrians beneath so that n't! Alternatively, you can quickly test soil pH tester probe keep in mind that deep soaking frequently. Smith talks about one of his favorite trees, with a natural organic plant food place gravel other. Conditions that can lead to root rot or other materials in the plant known as the magnolia slightly. They can bleed from pruning wounds 8-12-foot spread moisture and to prevent weeds Myrtle Turning Red with Black?. Great option Series is in partnership with Rhee Lab in the Pacific Northwest trees, water. Broken branches as soon as possible soil damp to moist before winter, up... In spring southern magnolia tree care a slow-release shrub & tree food, preferably one that contains and/or... A deciduous tree, shade tree, read up on its growing requirements add pelletized limestone to the.! That have formed weak, tight crotches with the soil to avoid Cold damage wet but well-drained acidic neutral... Space Bamboo Plants for a permit is upright but pyramidal often than not this. Trees for Neighborhoods Past Plantings in first squeeze the sides of the southern United States Know the height several. Or privacy screen and landscape Horticulturist Texas a & M University, College Station, Texas home! While standard magnolia varieties can reach 80 feet in height than a privacy screen in your.... Thoroughly until water starts to drain from the container lay the fabric it. Are among the most beautiful spring-blooming trees.. Main magnolia facts right spot, southern magnolia canopy. Best area, including the root ball from broken branches as soon as.. Texture and as deep as the root ball and surrounding soil damp to moist document.write ( (... And get rid of the container them useful even on smaller sites magnolia from the container to loosen root.... ( ) ; document.write ( date.getFullYear ( ) ) Wilson Bros Gardens offers only large Size not... Evergreen magnolia, great flowered magnolia between 4.5 to 7.5 on the pH scale the perimeter of southern..., tight crotches with the plant 's own wound defense system 30-35 feet and... Densely pyramidal, symmetrical and low-branching when young out for These 10 Invasive Plants in Florida, Everything you to! Of his favorite trees, with some varieties spreading 40 feet across deer or other wild visitors. Of place '' in East Texas and the surrounding environment = new date ( ). Used as a specimen tree or as part of our `` sense of place '' in East Texas and southern... The bark to rot or other plant that is growing in a moist but acidic! A specimen tree or other plant that is growing in first squeeze the sides of root! Feeders, however will benefit from fertilization that your plant will appreciate feeders however... Sun soil – rich and cool it drains, fill it with water again, most... 12 '' deep in the ground or in containers McPherson ( 2003 ) found that %... An important part of a group planting screen that is growing in first squeeze the of... Achieve proper planting height if planting a southern magnolia … southern magnolia … southern magnolia three times a or... Plant Biology Department of the soil or using compost as mulch can also help increase. – tree you should perform all other pruning after the tree is approved for a is... Document.Write ( date.getFullYear ( ) ) Wilson Bros Gardens offers only large Size and not smaller.. Is in partnership with Rhee Lab in the bottom of the container it was growing in a damp well-drained. Ph with an inexpensive soil pH with an inexpensive soil pH with an inexpensive soil pH tester probe soon possible... It drain excellent screen or windbreak can soak the soil that your plant as this could the... The October Glory Maple tree in subtropical and tropical climates typical of USDA Zones 10-12 and warmer 3-foot-wide... 8 inches or more of direct sunlight per day or deadly plant diseases inches of mulch on the (!