Many gardeners adore magnolia trees for their fragrant blossoms and deep-green foliage. There are several varieties of magnolia trees available. We go through the most common varieties of magnolia trees and all you need to know about their upkeep and care.
There is a wide range of size, bloom development, color, and hardiness in both evergreen and deciduous species. The graceful design, stunning foliage, and general durability of magnolia trees make them highly appreciated. But it fills the air with their aromatic, lemony, occasionally musky, and occasionally spicy smell, which is the show’s true stars.
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What is a Magnolia Tree?
The magnolia tree is one of the fascinating specimens you may have in your environment. The tree’s huge, fragrant blossoms are greatly prized. Although magnolia trees are usually stunning, they are especially wonderful when their exquisite blossoms bloom.
As soon as they are fully grown under perfect growth circumstances, magnolia trees are known to blossom each year. Almost everywhere in the US has the potential to support the growth of magnolias. However, different locales and types of magnolia have different blooming times. Because of this, most growers of this ornamental tree look forward to its bloom season, and it may be extremely upsetting if your magnolia doesn’t.
Planting
When dormant and with bare branches, deciduous magnolias should be planted. Normally, it is best to plant evergreen magnolias in the spring before they bloom. This makes late fall to early winter the ideal planting season in warmer climes. They may plant in colder areas after the ground thaws in the spring.
Planting is best done when there aren’t any flowers around because altering the environment will reduce the lifespan of the blossoms. With the soil you took out of the hole, fill it in, being careful not to cover the top of the root ball. The roots above the soil line can cover with a small mulch. After planting, immediately water the tree.
How to Grow a Magnolia Tree?
Newly planted magnolias in warm regions require heavy watering 2-3 times per week for the first 3-6 months. It is followed by weekly watering for the rest of the growing season. If you have an irrigation system, you may water them until they lose their leaves for the winter.
The growing season for evergreen magnolias lasts through the summer. The tree’s shallow root system is well-protect by a layer of bark mulch or a deeper layer of pine needle mulch. It is excellent for holding in moisture. Reduce the first watering to once or twice a week in milder temperature zones for the first few months.
Light
Full to partial light is ideal for magnolia trees. Depending on the climate where you are planting, this changes. Young trees may benefit from shade from the sweltering afternoon heat in warmer climes. In warmer climates, avoid planting with complete southern exposure.
Magnolias should receive most of their full sun in the morning, defined as at least 6 hours of direct sunlight. Magnolias can tolerate full sun for the majority of the day in milder climes, although they may require some wind protection. Early flowering plants can harm by cold winds, which can also break delicate limbs.
Water
Magnolia trees that have just planted need to have their roots irrigated deeply to stimulate this. Magnolias have shallow root systems. Therefore the deeper they penetrate, the less likely they will hurt the surface-level roots. Consider rainfall and temperature to adapt the watering schedule that the ground receives a thorough soaking at least this frequently.
Once grown, the majority of magnolias are highly drought-resistant. Once planted, a magnolia only needs watering during dry spells. A magnolia will benefit from thorough weekly watering if you don’t have frequent rainfall. Moist soil is ideal for magnolias but not soggy roots.
Soil
Maintaining your magnolia’s water level is crucial if you grow it in sandy soil. For magnolias, loamy, well-drained soil that is a little acidic is preferable. They will thrive in loamy soil, sand, and clay if there is good drainage and the land isn’t swampy.
Because sandy soil tends to heat up, cool down, and dry out more quickly, plant in some shade. The young tree in this soil type has to be protected from temperature changes with extra care. If your soil is sandy, mulch is a wise option. In softer soil types, mulch at the base will shield the shallow roots from traffic and lawn equipment.
Fertilizer
Magnolia trees need only fertilized once throughout their growing seasons, from late spring to early fall. In the young stages of a tree’s life, fertilization is crucial.
Because magnolias are known to sluggish growers, feeding a young tree can speed up development and promote earlier blooming. Ring the base of the plant with granular fertilizer, ideally just before anticipated rain. After applying fertilizer, ensure to deeply water the lawn if there is irregular rain or drought.
Climate and Temperature
Magnolias may endure in various climatic zones, depending on the species. Ensure that it receives adequate water. If you’re planting a magnolia in a colder region, choose a location with some protection from chilly winds.
Early blossoming flowers will preserved and protected if you plant them near a building or other big trees. As certain variations are modified to harder in colder or warmer temperatures than their parent species. The hardiest varieties for each zone are species rather than individual kinds.
Pruning
You could perform minor pruning early to mold the plant into a tree or shrub. Magnolias can develop into a well-balanced form, mostly on their own, with minimal assistance. Suppose the shape you want is more treelike. In that case, you may need to conduct some pruning on shrubbier magnolia trees in the first few years. This includes the majority of shorter, deciduous varieties.
As with any gardening, remove the bottom branches using a clean, sharp instrument. Magnolia’s tree recovers slowly, and a clean wound heals the fastest. Removing the lowest branches may streamline the trunk component and promote upward development.
The tree will naturally develop in a balanced and symmetrical manner. Thus aside from this early shaping, it is better to leave healthy growth alone. Only remove any dead or diseased foliage when pruning branches that grow straight up.
