Saucer Magnolia Growing Conditions - Caring For Saucer Magnolias In Gardens

Hardy in zones 4-9, saucer magnolia prefers well-draining, slightly acidic soil in full sun to part shade. The trees can also tolerate some clay soils. Saucer magnolia is usually found as a multi-stemmed clump, but single stem varieties can make better specimen trees in gardens and yards.

What conditions do magnolias need?

Magnolias prefer a temperate climate, and a sunny spot with a northern or eastern aspect. Plant them at any time — propagate from cuttings in summer, sowing seed in autumn or grafting in winter. Keep magnolias well watered during dry and hot weather. Don't worry about pruning, as it only encourages vertical growth.

How big do saucer magnolia trees get?

The saucer magnolia grows to a height of 20–30' and a spread of around 25' at maturity.

How do you grow a saucer magnolia?

Saucer magnolias are best planted in a full-sun to part-shade location—preferably not on southern exposures, since this can cause the flowers to open too early when cold early spring weather can damage the flowers.

How fast do saucer magnolia trees grow?

The original saucer magnolia grows 25 to 30 feet tall at a rate of 24 inches per growing season, and “Burgundy” reaches 25 feet tall at a rate of 24 inches per growing season. “Brozzonii” can grow more quickly at a rate of 24 to 36 inches per growing season and reaches 25 feet tall.

Are Coffee Grounds Good for Magnolia Trees?

If such a test indicates that your soil is way too alkaline, then, fine, use the fresh coffee grounds around your magnolia tree. Sprinkling fresh coffee grounds around such acid-loving plants will be helpful if the soil in which they are growing is currently too alkaline for them.

Can I cut the top off my magnolia tree?

Although pruning magnolia trees is not necessary, young trees can be shaped as they grow. Trimming a magnolia tree when it is young will also improve the health of the tree and encourage more blooms. Mature magnolia trees do not recover from pruning and can sustain fatal wounds.

What are the worst trees to plant?

Trees known for their rather undesirable qualities, and why you should steer clear of them.

Cottonwood. One of the trees you should avoid having in your backyard is certainly cottonwood. ...
Bradford Pear. ...
Mimosa Tree. ...
Mulberry Tree. ...
Chinese Tallow. ...
Norway Maple. ...
Eucalyptus. ...
Quaking Aspen.

Do magnolia trees have invasive roots?

While the roots are not necessarily invasive, you may get magnolia tree root damage when the trees grow too close to your house. ... In fact, magnolia tree roots spread farther than those of most trees. If your house is within root range, the roots can work their way into pipes under your house.

What time of year do you plant magnolia trees?

Deciduous magnolias (those that drop their leaves in fall) are best planted when dormant, typically in late fall or winter in warmer climates and early spring in cold climates. Evergreen magnolias are best planted in early spring.

How do you care for a saucer magnolia tree?

Caring for Saucer Magnolias

When first planting a saucer magnolia tree, it will require deep, frequent watering to develop strong roots. By its second year, however, it should only need watering in times of drought. In cooler climates, flower buds can be killed by late frost and you may end up with no flowers.

How long do magnolia flowers last on the tree?

These trees tend to flower earlier than evergreens and only bloom for a few weeks in spring. The flower show lasts just a week or two, but it's particularly spectacular, as the blooms often appear before the trees leaf out in spring.

Do saucer magnolias lose their leaves?

Magnolias (Magnolia spp.) are widely admired as flowering shade trees. Some magnolia species are deciduous and lose their leaves. Others are evergreen and do not.

Do magnolia trees flower twice a year?

A magnolia has flowered for the third time in a year, possibly due to climate change and the unpredictable weather. ... "Ten years ago it would have flowered once a year, then it became twice, and now there is the very real possibility that it will become four.

What are good trees to plant near a house?

Best Trees to Plant Near a House

Crabapple (Zones 3-8): A short, flowering tree that matures at about 20 feet tall. ...
American hornbeam (zones 3-9): A slow-growing member of the birch family that's small in size.

How long does it take for a magnolia tree to grow from seed?

A good time to germinate is early spring. Plant the magnolia seeds in a seed tray covered with ½-inch of compost soil. Dampen the soil by misting it with water, then cover with plastic wrap and set in a warm place like above the refrigerator. Seedlings should appear in four to six weeks but may take much longer.

What is the best fertilizer for magnolia trees?

An appropriate fertilizer for a magnolia tree would be 12-4-8 or 20-5-10. The amount of fertilizer given is based on the amount of nitrogen required. A general guideline to use for a magnolia tree would be 1/10 pound of nitrogen for every inch of trunk diameter.

Where do magnolia trees grow best?

Where do magnolia trees grow best? The good news is that magnolias grow just about anywhere in the U.S. The most easily recognized type is the iconic Southern magnolia, an evergreen tree with huge, waxy white blooms that appear in summer. It thrives in Southern regions in USDA Hardiness Zones 7 to 10.

Can you keep a magnolia tree small?

Growing Potted Magnolia Trees. ... And while standard magnolia varieties can reach 80 feet in height, several smaller cultivars max out at 20 feet tall. This means that a magnolia grown in a container or pot can brighten even a small space, and it can be moved to suit your (and your tree's) needs.

What month do you prune a magnolia tree?

Prune branches back to a natural fork to avoid leaving unsightly stubs. Cuts bleed if pruned in late winter or early spring so pruning should only be done between mid-summer and early autumn.

Is Seasol good for Magnolias?

the cell walls of the plant become thin and therefore in heat will burn easy and loose water fast. Thickening the cells of the plant by using seasol and powerfeed regularly is a great way to start to turn them around.

How do you kill a magnolia tree?

Dig a 1-foot-wide, 2-foot-deep trench around the base of the tree to expose the Magnolia's roots. Scrape the dirt away from the bottom of the tree with a spade or shovel. Spray or pour herbicide over the roots, adding more herbicide until it pools on the top of the roots.