Not every magnolia lover has their own garden; and one that is big enough for one of the large magnolia species. Instead, small magnolias can also be kept as potted plants, but then require intensive care.
Can you keep a magnolia in a pot?
Magnolias can be grown in pots, but they require more care than in the garden. Choose small-growing varieties such as star magnolia or purple magnolia, pay attention to sufficient water, drainage and regular fertilization. Ideally, overwinter them at a maximum of 10 °C.
Pot keeping is generally possible
Furthermore, not every type of magnolia is suitable for planting in the garden due to the climatic conditions prevailing in Germany; they would simply freeze to death in winter. However, when selecting the varieties to consider, make sure to choose a small-growing magnolia, as most can reach impressive dimensions of four to five meters or more. Growth heights of around three meters are also stated for many hybrids, but this can be questioned. No values can yet be given for numerous new varieties because there are simply no mature trees yet. Remember that even a small magnolia needs a lot of space in a pot due to its wide, bushy growth.
Suitable magnolia varieties for the pot
| Magnolia variety | Latin name | Growth height | Flower color |
|---|---|---|---|
| Star Magnolia | Magnolia stellata | approx. 1.5 to 3 meters | white, early blooming |
| Purple Magnolia | Magnolia liliiflora | up to 3 meters | mostly purple / red-violet |
What speaks against keeping a bucket?
Some potted magnolias thrive in the first few years, only to then slowly and gradually decline. This is due to the fleshy, thick and heavily branched roots, which are too cramped and too warm in the pot. Magnolias like to have cool “feet”, but this cannot be achieved in a pot, especially in summer. In addition, the soil compaction is too high and the water supply is too irregular - magnolias need a consistent, balanced location to feel comfortable. Naturally, this is not possible in a pot. On the other hand, it can make sense to keep a painstakingly grown young magnolia as a container plant for the first one or two years in order to better protect it from cold winters.
Cultivate magnolia in a pot
In contrast to planted magnolias, potted magnolias require a lot of care. A regular water supply must be ensured because the plant should not dry out. However, it does not tolerate waterlogging particularly well either. Therefore, sufficient drainage in the pot must be ensured. Potted magnolias also need to be fertilized every two weeks with a good liquid fertilizer. The magnolia needs a larger pot with fresh substrate about once a year, or every two years depending on growth. Magnolias are unsuitable as houseplants.
Tips & Tricks
Pot magnolias overwinter best under cold house conditions, i.e. H. in a frost-free, protected place with a maximum temperature of 10 °C. If this is not possible, the pot should be packed well as the soil in the pot freezes quickly and the roots need to be protected.
