Even 1000 years ago, the magnificent magnolia trees with their large, eye-catching flowers were only reserved for the Chinese emperors. The beautiful, early-blooming plants are now at home in many of our gardens and parks. Especially in the first few years, a magnolia tree is quite sensitive to frost and fluctuating weather conditions, but is otherwise quite easy to care for.
How do you properly care for a magnolia?
Caring for magnolias includes regular watering, mulching, occasional fertilizing and careful pruning. Young magnolias need protection from frost. Some species can be cultivated in pots and propagated by suckers or mosses.
How often should the magnolia be watered?
Magnolias have a very high water requirement, which, as they have shallow roots, they cannot cover on their own, especially in hot summer months. Therefore, you must ensure that the plant is kept constantly moist in summer. Even in winter, the magnolia should be watered from time to time, but only on frost-free days.
Is it useful to mulch magnolias?
For the same reasons, it is advisable to mulch the magnolia tree in the root area, for example with a layer of bark mulch. Under no circumstances should magnolias dry out.
When and how is the magnolia best fertilized?
Magnolias planted in the garden generally do not need to be fertilized, as long as they are in soil that is rich in nutrients and humus. Basically, it is enough to spread some finely chopped grass clippings or humus-rich compost in the root area in spring. However, if the magnolia is in a pot, regular fertilization with a mineral-rich fertilizer is essential.
When and how do you prune a magnolia tree?
Since magnolias grow very slowly, annual pruning is not necessary - on the contrary, as this can even cause drastic damage. It is sufficient to carefully prune the magnolia tree about every three to five years, although dead branches and twigs must of course be removed regularly. Coat the cut surfaces with a fungicide. As with all flowering trees, the best time to prune is when all the flowers have faded. This should happen around the end of June. To allow the tree to recover from the procedure, you should refrain from pruning in autumn.
Do magnolias thrive in pots?
Some types of magnolia, such as the purple magnolia or the rare, yellow-flowering Magnolia Daphne, are wonderfully suitable for keeping in containers. The container should be as wide as possible so that the plant's shallow roots have enough space to spread out. Potted magnolias need to be watered and fertilized regularly; in winter it is advisable to cover the pot with a warming fleece.
How can magnolia be propagated?
Propagation takes place primarily via cuttings, sinkers or through moss. However, propagation by seeds is not recommended as these magnolias are very slow to flower.
What diseases can occur in magnolias?
Magnolias are quite susceptible to both forms of powdery mildew. Black spots on the leaves indicate leaf spot disease.
What is the best way to overwinter magnolias?
The younger a magnolia tree is, the more sensitive it is to frost. You should therefore wrap the trunks of planted young trees with fleece and cover the root area with a thick layer of mulch (e.g. B. brushwood, bark mulch). Magnolias in pots overwinter best in cold house conditions. With age the plants become more robust.
Tips & Tricks
If possible, only propagate your magnolia by cuttings or moss, as cuttings are very difficult to root. For the same reason, the plant should not be transplanted.
