The tree disc below the magnolia can sometimes appear quite bare, especially outside of the flowering period. If you don't want to constantly pull weeds, a ground-covering underplanting is a good idea. But be careful: the magnolia is a solitary plant and does not tolerate any competition.
Which plants are suitable for underplanting magnolias?
Suitable plants for underplanting magnolias are shade-loving, shallow-rooted species such as March cup, grape hyacinth, squill, winter aconite, cranesbill, lily of the valley, small periwinkle, spotted dead nettle, foam flowers, wild garlic, snowdrop, crocus and ivy.
Don’t compete
The roots of older magnolias in particular grow broadly and densely directly beneath the surface of the earth. The shallow-rooted magnolia is also very sensitive to soil that is too dry and/or too nutrient-poor. For this reason, you should not plant any plants under your magnolia that will develop deep roots and/or not only challenge your tree's space, but also water and nutrients. You should also keep in mind that it is usually very shady under a magnolia, and there is also a thick carpet of fallen leaves in autumn or dead flowers in spring. Underplanting makes sense if it keeps the soil constantly moist and cool - that's what magnolias like.
Suitable plant species for underplanting
You should not choose trees for underplanting magnolias, but rather spring bloomers, summer flowers and low perennials that do not have deep roots and do not draw too much water. The plants must also be able to thrive well in the shade. Lawn can also be planted under, but a large area around the trunk should be left free and mulched if necessary. In the following list you can find some suitable species for underplanting magnolias.
- Märzenbecher (Leucojum)
- Grape Hyacinths (Muscari)
- Blue Star (Scilla)
- Winterling (Eranthis)
- Balkan cranesbill (Geranium macrorrhizum)
- Brown cranesbill (Geranium phaeum)
- Lily of the valley (Convallaria majalis)
- Small periwinkle (Vinca minor)
- Spotted dead nettles (Lamium maculatum)
- Foam Blossom (Tiarella)
- Wild garlic (Allium ursinum)
- Snowdrop (Galanthus)
- Crocus (Crocus)
- Ivy (Hedera helix)
It's best to just mulch magnolia
Basically, in the case of magnolias, underplanting is only the second best choice, as the plants will always compete with your tree and the tree can really resent that. You should also avoid digging or chopping in the root area of the magnolia. Instead, you can simply cover the tree disc generously with bark mulch (€14.00 on Amazon), this neither lets weeds through nor allows the soil to dry out or overheat.
Tips & Tricks
If you want to venture into underplanting, pour a layer of compost or potting soil about 20 centimeters thick, leaving about 30 centimeters free around the trunk. Now place the desired planting on this layer.
