Plant magnolia: location & timing

The magnolia tree only blossoms when it is in the right location. We show what else needs to be considered when planting a magnolia.

the magnolia (magnolia) is more complex to plant than planting many other plants. A careful approach, however, saves you a lot of effort and brings all the more joy when the magnolia develops well.

Planting a magnolia is an investment in the future because magnolias grow old. In order to offer the plant the right conditions, you should pay attention to a few things and prepare the planting well. Because only then can the valuable tree thrive in all its glory.

Planting a magnolia: The perfect time

The best time to plant a magnolia is between October and March during the dormant period. That doesn't mean, however, that you have to dig a hole in the ground when the temperatures drop and the ground freezes in January or February. It makes more sense to choose a date in early November or early March, when winter is not yet here or is already on its way.

Plant magnolia: The right location

Location, of course, is largely a matter of strain. However, there are a few general rules:

• The magnolia loves the sun. It doesn't have to be full sun, a little shade during the day doesn't hurt at all. Some species are prone to frost cracking in winter when the ground is frozen and the winter sun is heating up. They include, for example, the popular tulip magnolia (magnolia xsoulangeana). It is better to plant such species in a sunny northern location, where the temperature fluctuations in winter are much smaller. An exception is Magnolia siboldiiwho likes shade rather than too much sun.
• Moist soil is wonderful for the magnolia. Soils that tend to waterlogging should be provided with a drainage layer when planting.
• A sheltered location from the wind is the right thing for the magnolia. Some varieties, especially large-flowered magnolias, need a little more wind protection than others.
• Give your magnolia enough space. The plants get quite old and can only develop magnificently if they have enough space available. You should plan at least five to eight square meters for a tree.

How to plant a magnolia

You should approach the planting of magnolia trees with caution. In order for the plant to thrive, it is worth preparing a suitable starting hole for it. Dig a large planting hole. It should be about twice as high and twice as wide as the root ball. This loosens the surrounding soil sufficiently.

Magnolias need a pH between 5.5 and 6.8. The environment should therefore be in the acidic range. You can do this by placing a sack of peat soil in the planting hole and mixing it with a good portion of the excavation in the hole. Unfortunately, peat soil contains a lot of peat, which is why it tends not to be recommended for environmental reasons.

Now place the root ball in the hole and arrange the whole thing so that the soil mixture is distributed around the root ball. Do not pile soil around the trunk, however, as the tree should not be planted any deeper than it was previously underground. You can then press the soil down lightly and water it abundantly. Although the magnolia likes sun on top, it likes it cool and damp at the roots - a thick layer of bark mulch helps. Later, when the magnolia has grown well, a ground cover around the trunk is also suitable as good protection.

Planting magnolia summary:

• Dig a hole twice the size of the root ball
• Mix the excavated soil well with acidic peat soil
• Put the root ball in the hole and fill it up with soil mixture
• Never plant a tree deeper than it was previously planted
• Press the planted tree lightly and water well
• Put bark mulch around the plant

Caring for magnolia after planting

After planting, the magnolia does not need any further care. The following year the plant copes well with the nutrients received. Too much will do her more harm than good. If you planted the plant in a dry autumn, it will of course need water at the beginning - so water it from time to time in this case. The same applies to a dry spring.

As soon as the magnolia is a little older, it should be fertilized every spring. Compost or primarily organic long-term fertilizer in organic quality such as ours is suitable for this Plantura organic universal fertilizer outstanding.

More about fertilizing and Cutting magnolias find out here.