The impressive evergreen magnolia (Magnolia grandiflora) is an eye-catcher not only in spring with its particularly large, fragrant flowers and often unconventional growth. The warmth-loving tree retains its shiny leaves even in winter, pleasing the eye in the gray season.
How do I properly care for an evergreen magnolia?
Caring for the evergreen magnolia includes a sunny location, deep and permeable soil, regular watering without waterlogging, fertilizing at least three times a year with mixed compost or complete fertilizer, avoiding pruning and winter protection for frost-sensitive specimens.
Which location does the evergreen magnolia prefer?
Magnolias prefer deep and well-drained garden soil and a location that is as sunny as possible.
Can the evergreen magnolia also be cultivated in a pot?
Due to the enormous space requirement alone, it is not advisable to cultivate evergreen magnolias in pots - magnolias at all, with the exception of the small star magnolias.
What is the water requirement of the evergreen magnolia?
Like all magnolias, the evergreen magnolia is a shallow-rooted plant whose roots run very close to the surface of the earth. For this reason, the soil should always be moist and not dry out, especially since magnolias require a lot of water. However, waterlogging should be avoided.
How and with what should Magnolia grandiflora be fertilized?
The evergreen magnolia not only has a high water requirement, but also a high nutrient requirement. For this reason, planted specimens should be placed in nutrient-rich, humus-rich soil and fertilized at least three times a year with mature mixed compost. If the tree shows a nutrient deficiency, you can also fertilize with a high-quality, quickly available complete fertilizer (€19.00 on Amazon).
Can you cut the evergreen magnolia?
Magnolias should not be cut back if possible. However, if a cut is necessary - for example after a storm - always cut the shoots down to the base of the trunk. Stubs left standing quickly lead to unsightly broom growth.
How can Magnolia grandiflora be propagated?
The evergreen magnolia is usually propagated by planting plants, whereby rooting occurs very slowly and can take up to two years. A larger number of young plants can be grown in a shorter time using cuttings.
When does Magnolia grandiflora bloom?
Compared to other magnolias, the evergreen magnolia blooms a little longer. Their flowering period lasts a few weeks between April and June.
What causes the evergreen magnolia to bloom?
If the evergreen magnolia does not want to bloom, there could be various reasons behind it:
- unsuitable location (too dark, too cold)
- unsuitable soil containers (too heavy, too sandy, too wet, too dry)
- a dark and rainy spring, therefore not enough sun
- Nutrient deficiency (too little or unsuitable fertilization)
- pruning before flowering
Is evergreen magnolia susceptible to certain pests and diseases?
The evergreen magnolia is quite susceptible to
- Whiteflies
- Mildew (powdery and downy mildew)
- Scale insects
- Leaf spots caused by Pseudomonas
- Fruit tree cancer caused by incorrect pruning
Tip
Basically, the evergreen magnolia is quite sensitive to frost and therefore needs winter protection. However, there are also varieties that tolerate frost quite well.
