Magnolias are a great addition to any garden. With many different varieties available, there’s options for everyone.
Full sun to part shade
Water regularly
Acidic, well drained, moist & fertile soil
Cool to warm climates
Varieties of Magnolias
Bull Bay Magnolia
Evergreen tree that can grow up to 20M high- best grown in areas with a lot of space
'Little Gem'
Evergreen that grows up to 4M tall, can be kept around 2M when pruned. White, creamy flowers during spring/summer.
'Teddy Bear'
Very popular, grows to around 6M. Flowering in warm months
Black Tulip Magnolia
Small deciduous tree that can grow to 5M, deep purple flowers in spring
Felix
Small deciduous tree that can grow to 4M, large hot pink flowers that are around 30cm wide
Yulan Magnolia
Small deciduous tree that can grow to 5M tall, large white flower in spring
Port Wine
Evergreen shrub that grows to around 3M tall. Smaller pink flowers in September to November that have a slight bubblegum scent. Can be trimmed into shapes.
Growing Magnolia in your Garden
Location
Choose a spot that receives full sun to part shade
Planting
Clear grass or ground cover plants from the planting area.Â
Dig the hole to the same depth and twice as wide as the root ball. Remove the magnolia from its pot and gently tease the roots. Cut away any tangled roots. Place in hole & backfill. The final level of soil should be the same as the original mix. Water in to settle soil.
Early Care
To help the plant establish, keep soil moist. Mulch is a great way to ensure soil stays moist
Watering & Fertilising
Once established, they can tolerate heat & dry conditions but will be much happier if watered regularly. Water deeply during extended dry, hot periods. Reduce watering during cooler months.
When buds appear, feed every 8 weeks
Growing Magnolia in Pots
Ensure you select a dwarf or compact variety if growing in a pot.
Pot & Location
Choose a pot at least 600mm wide and a position that gets full sun to part shade
Planting
Partly fill your pot with a quality potting mix. Magnolias prefer slightly acidic potting mix.
Remove the plant from the container and gently tease the roots. Place in soil and backfill to the same level as currently around the plant.
Early Care
To help the plant establish, keep soil moist. Mulch is a great way to ensure soil stays moist
Watering & Fertilising
Once established, they can tolerate heat & dry conditions but will be much happier if watered regularly. Water deeply during extended dry, hot periods. Reduce watering during cooler months.
When buds appear, fertilise every 8 weeks
Can I Propagate Magnolias?
Yes, use a hormone gel for best results
Pruning Magnolias
Always prune with sharp, clean secateurs, cutting just above a node. Prune off any damaged, diseases or dead flowers or branches.
Tip pruning when the plant is young will encourage bushier growth. Simply cut the tip of a new stem to grow several from the one.
Prune after flowering, in spring or autumn when temperatures are mild.
