Magnolia trees are a beauty to behold when well taken care of. They have beautiful flowers with lovely fragrance. But they could as well look at shrubs when left to overgrow.
Any gardener should train on how best to take care of these trees. A well-taken care of trees brings a touch of beauty to the garden.
Steps on how to grow a magnolia tree
Growing and taking care of magnolia plants can be difficult. It requires some level of knowledge about some key issues. Here are some tips and steps that you can follow.
Step 1: Choose the location
The first step in growing a magnolia tree is to select a good location for the tree. Magnolia trees do well in well-spaced areas. Ensure that you plan before hand before planting.
The location should be dependent on the maturing of the tree. The size is also a major factor to consider. Ensure that you select an open place that will provide exposure to full sun and for the tree.
Step 2: Prepare a hole
The next step is to prepare a hole when you will plant the tree. The hole should be wide enough for the tree. This should also be dependent on the size of the tree.
The hole should also have enough depth to contain the tree. Adding a mixture of compost or manure in the hole is recommended.
Step 3: Transplant the magnolia tree
The next step is to transplant the tree from where it was placed. This could be from a container. It is important to take proper care of the tree when moving it.
This reduces harm on the magnolia tree roots. Ensure you have enough skills on the best way of transplanting trees.
Step 4: Backfilling
The hole needs o be backfilled when the tree is transplanted. Backfilling has to depend on the size of the hole. It also has to depend on the size of the tree.
Backfill the hole around the step of the magnolia tree. It is recommended to prepare a good soil mixture. The mixture should have adequate content of moisture and nutrients for the tree.
Step 5: Mulching
The other important step for growing and planting the tree is to mulch. Mulching is necessary to preserve the moisture. It also works well for avoiding erosion. Organic mulch is recommended for the magnolia tree. It is recommended to lay mulch 1 to 2 inch around the tree.
How do you provide care for the magnolia tree?
Keeping a magnolia tree blooming is not easy. It requires adequate care. But there are a few tips that can help a gardener.
- Pruning
A magnolia tree can eventually grow to be pushy. Excessive leaves can limit the flowing. It is essential to train on how best to prune these trees. This is because improper pruning can also restrict the blooming.
Blooming can be accelerated by removing the dead branches. This should be done early in the summer. This is because the magnolia trees mostly bloom late in the summer.
The pruning encourages blooming by creating space for the penetration of light. Using a professional to do the pruning is recommended.
- Use of Fertilizer
Blooming is also dependent on the feeding of trees. Howe well a tree is fed contributes to the rate of blooming. The magnolia trees also need fertilizers or well made manure. You should seek expert advice on the best fertilizer for magnolia.
Using the wrong fertilizer can dry up the leaves. It is also essential to use the instructions on the label. This is because different fertilizers work uniquely, especially on application. Remember that too much fertilizer also threatens the magnolia tree’s blooming.
- Enough Sun
Magnolia trees also do well when in the open sunlight. They bloom very late in the summer season. It is essential to ensure that the trees access enough sunlight.
However, some experts also caution against exposure to the scorching sun. There are cases where a gardener may need to provide enough shade for these trees to bloom.
- Correct Soil pH
There is also the issue of soil quality. It is also considered to affect the blooming of magnolia trees. One of the key elements is to have the correct soil ph.
Magnolia trees do well in well-balanced soils. They cannot survive when the soil is too acidic or excessively alkaline.
How fast do magnolia trees grow
The rate of growth of any tree is dependent on many factors. The magnolia tree is not any different. How fast the trees grow is determined by the care provided. Several factors determine the speed of growth.
The variety of a magnolia tree determines how fast it grows. There are those types that do well in height. Others overgrow, like shrubs. However, most magnolia trees take a year to mature.
Magnolia tree varieties can grow between 1 to 2 feet yearly, depending on the care provided. These trees can also grow from 15 to 80 feet in height. Understanding the characteristics of each type of critical.
1: Jane magnolia trees
Jane magnolia is a tree that grows between 20 to 25 feet tall. They are considered as slow growing. The tree variety only grows less than 1 foot in a year. The trees need minimal care, given the slow speed of growth.
2: Anne magnolia
The Anne magnolia is also categorized as slow growing. They also grow less than 1 foot a year. A mature Anne magnolia is about 10 to 12 feet tall. The thickness depends on the care provided when growing.
3: Bigleaf magnolia
Another excellent example of a magnolia tree is the Bigleaf magnolia. This also grows slowly. It can grow 12 and 18 inches in a year. They can reach heights up to 25 to 40 feet when they mature.
4: Sweetbay magnolias
The Sweetbay magnolias are estimated to grow 12 to 24 inches a year. This is also a slow rate of growth. They can, however, achieve 10 and 35 feet in height when they mature.
A significant observation from these examples of magnolia trees is that they grow slowly. This is primarily in the early stages of growth.
These trees can be accelerated to grow by providing proper care. Keeping the tree blooming is the secret to accelerating the growth rate.
How do you keep magnolias blooming?
Keeping a magnolia tree blooming is not easy.
But there are a few tips that can help a gardener.
- Pruning Techniques
A magnolia tree can eventually grow to be pushy. Excessive leaves can limit the flowing. It is essential to train on how best to prune these trees. This is because improper pruning can also restrict the blooming.
Blooming can be accelerated by removing the dead branches. This should be done early in the summer. This is because the magnolia trees mostly bloom late in the summer.
The pruning encourages blooming by creating space for the penetration of light. Using a professional to do the pruning is recommended.
- Use of Fertilizer
Blooming is also dependent on the feeding of trees. Howe well a tree is fed contributes to the rate of blooming. The magnolia trees also need fertilizers. You should seek expert advice on the best fertilizer for magnolia.
Using the wrong fertilizer can dry up the leaves. It is also essential to use the instructions on the label. This is because different fertilizers work uniquely, especially on application. Remember that too much fertilizer also threatens the magnolia tree’s blooming.
- Enough Sun
Magnolia trees also do well when in the open sunlight. They bloom very late in the summer season. It is essential to ensure that the trees access enough sunlight.
However, some experts also caution against exposure to the scorching sun. There are cases where a gardener may need to provide enough shade for these trees to bloom.
- Correct Soil pH
There is also the issue of soil quality. It is also considered to affect the blooming of magnolia trees. One of the key elements is to have the correct soil pH. Magnolia trees do well in well-balanced soils. They cannot survive when the soil is too acidic or excessively alkaline.
What to do when your magnolia tree is overgrown
There are chances that a magnolia tree may overgrow. This is especially when left unattended. There are decisions to be made when this happens. The initial thought is definitely to prune the tree to size.
Remember that reducing the size of a magnolia tree should be well-timed. It should be done during the summer. It should be done when the tree has open leaves.
It is also recommended to leave the crown open when reducing the tree size. Maintaining the correct shape should also be in your mind when reducing the size of a magnolia tree.
How long does it take for a magnolia tree to reach full height?
The height of a magnolia tree is a concern among many gardeners. The majority of gardeners want their magnolia trees short.
The magnolia trees are slow growing. This is why sometimes height may not concern a gardener. These trees can take over ten years to overgrow in height.
Choosing the right variety is recommended to understand matters of height. The ultimate size should be well-controlled by the gardener. Understanding the best way of providing care for these trees can determine how long they take to grow.
How far down do magnolia tree roots go?
Magnolia trees are high consumers of nutrients. That is why they have extensive root systems. The roots of a magnolia can spread up to 40 feet or more. This comprehensive root system is suitable for its growth.
Most of the magnolia tree varieties grow their roots horizontally and wide. They do not move very deep. But a variety can reach deep in the ground for the necessary nutrients. Understanding each variety is essential to identify how best to provide critical care for their roots.
The lifespan of a Magnolia tree
It is estimated that a magnolia tree can grow for over 80 years. This is because they are slow grows. Some magnolia trees have been recorded as over 320 years old in Italy. A 190-year-old magnolia tree is also reportedly removed from the statehouse.
The overall indication is that magnolia trees take a long to mature. They can enjoy an extensive lifespan, especially when proper care is provided. But the most significant factor of a magnolia tree’s lifespan is the variety of the tree.
Do magnolias prefer sun or shade?
Magnolia trees are known to do well in the sun. That is why full sun is recommended when caring for these trees. The trees are highly dependent on the sun for blooming. Flowering these trees can be limited if the trees are shaded.
But there are cases where the magnolia tree has to be protected from the sun. This is especially after it has produced flowers. Providing enough shade protects the flowers from withering and dropping.
A temporary shade is recommended in such a case. Some of the unique ways of providing shade is using a cloth. The cloth covers the top of the tree. The idea is to prevent the tree from accessing direct sun.
The advantages and disadvantages of magnolia trees
Every tree, including the magnolia, is grown with a purpose. Understanding the advantages and disadvantages of growing a magnolia tree in your compound is good.
Advantages of magnolia trees
- Aesthetic beauty
Magnolia trees are known as beautiful when well-attended. They are advantageous in providing aesthetic beauty in a compound. The colorful flowering actualizes the aesthetic appeal. The magnolia tree has pink, purple, white, and yellow flowers.
- Sweet fragrance
The magnolia trees also have a good fragrance. The fragrant flowers are suitable for the surroundings. They also attract some essential insects that help with pollinating other plants.
But there are also some disadvantages of the magnolia trees.
Disadvantages of magnolia trees
- Labor and capital intensive
Some of the main disadvantages of magnolia trees is their high maintenance. There is no doubt that magnolia trees need proper care and attention. Ignoring these trees can lead to overgrowth. The tree can be bushy, which is a bad image for your compound.
Maintaining the aesthetic appeal may also be costly. This is because you might need to hire a professional. Some magnolia tree varieties are challenging to prune and train. That is why it means more input to provide the necessary care.
- Susceptible to diseases and pests
The dead leaves of a magnolia tree can also be a habitat for pests. It can cause more diseases that affect the magnolia and other plants. That is why they have to be attended regularly. You do not want a tree that brings diseases to your compound.
The magnolia tree is highly susceptible to diseases. The popular infections affecting this tree include verticillium wilt and powdery mildew. This requires regular care using pesticides.