Magnolias are actually very easy-care plants that, once planted in the right place, thrive without any major maintenance measures. But even if you hardly have to worry about the magnolia, there is one thing that it will most certainly annoy you for: an unsuitable location.
Where is the best location for a magnolia?
The optimal location for magnolias varies depending on the variety, but in general they prefer a sunny to partially shaded spot with at least four hours of sun daily, shelter from the wind and sufficient width space. The soil should be slightly acidic and always moist.
Optimal location depends on the variety
When it comes to location, the magnolia is a real diva that is difficult to please. In the wrong place, the tree will hardly thrive and, even if you care for it intensively, it will probably not bloom. That's why you should take a close look at your garden before buying this beautifully flowering plant. Not all magnolias are the same; there are over 100 different varieties bred specifically for the home garden, all of which have more or less different requirements for their location. When choosing a location, please also note that magnolias usually grow not only in height but also in width and therefore require space. Small-growing varieties are therefore recommended for small gardens. But whichever variety you choose, all magnolias basically have the following requirements:
- a sunny to partially shaded location (depending on the variety)
- at least four hours of sun a day
- a place sheltered from the wind
- sufficient space in width – magnolias are mostly solitary plants
Be careful with very early blooming magnolias
Although magnolias love the sun, you should not choose a location in full sun, especially for the very early flowering varieties, because the sunnier the location, the earlier the tree will bloom. However, since the flowers are very sensitive to frost, an early flower can be destroyed if frost suddenly sets in.
Make sure the soil is right
Of course, the optimal location also includes the optimal soil. Most varieties (with a few exceptions) prefer slightly acidic, always moist soil supported by a layer of mulch orUnderplanting should be protected from drying out and warming - the roots growing shallowly underground do not like dryness or heat.
Tips & Tricks
If you do not naturally have suitable garden soil, you can also improve the planting site with rhododendron or ericaceous soil.
