Some gardening guides say that small magnolias can be easily grown in a pot. In principle, it is possible to keep them in pots on the balcony or terrace, but such magnolias require a lot of care.
Can you keep a magnolia on the balcony?
Small magnolias can be grown on the balcony in large pots, but require a lot of space, care and a sunny location. Ensure good drainage, frost protection in winter and regular water and nutrient supply.
Even small potted magnolias need a lot of space
The small magnolia varieties of the star magnolia (Magnolia stellata) and purple magnolia (Magnolia liliiflora) species are best suited for cultivation in pots. But these also naturally reach heights of up to three meters and grow bushy and wide. For this reason, you also need to plan a lot of space for the small magnolias in terms of both the pot size and the size of the balcony - these large-growing shrubs will most likely not feel particularly comfortable on a narrow, small balcony.
Older potted magnolias sometimes become sickly
The growth of the roots could also become a problem: with age, they become thick, fleshy and also branch out very heavily. In addition, the flat and quite wide growing magnolia roots do not like to be squeezed into highly compressed soil conditions, especially because they prefer cooler temperatures (in contrast to the plant growing above the ground). They also don't get waterlogged, which is why the pots must always have good drainage.
Proper care for potted magnolias
Although potted magnolias don't like waterlogging, they shouldn't dry out either. Provide a regular and consistent supply of water in nutrients in the form of liquid fertilizer. In addition to the space required, the right location is also important on the balcony. The magnolia should be in the sun for at least four hours a day, which is why a southern, southwest or southeast orientation is desirable. Whether your magnolia enjoys morning or evening sun is irrelevant.
Tips & Tricks
In winter, potted magnolias are significantly more at risk than specimens planted in the garden. If you want your magnolia to overwinter on the balcony, you especially need to protect the sensitive roots from frost. To do this, wrap the pot with fleece and cover the soil with a thick layer of bark mulch. You can also put a jute bag over the crown. However, the magnolia overwinters best under cold house conditions.
