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What Are the Best Tips for Planting Magnolia Trees?

Misty Amber Brighton
Misty Amber Brighton

Magnolia trees can add bright color and fragrant aroma to a backyard garden. When planting magnolia trees, gardeners should first decide what variety they would like to grow. After this, they should make sure to choose a hardy specimen from a local grower. Selecting the right area for growing magnolias is also important. After planting magnolias, homeowners should make sure to water and mulch the trees in order to give them the best opportunity for growth.

The two types of magnolia trees are evergreen and deciduous. There are some advantages and disadvantages of each, so the type is important to consider before planting trees. Evergreen varieties bloom often during the summer and maintain foliage year-round. This could mean a great deal of raking for a homeowner. Deciduous varieties shed leaves only in fall, but they are more prone to frost damage and breaking during high winds.

Woman with a flower
Woman with a flower

After deciding on a variety, the next step in planting magnolia trees is choosing the specimen. Gardeners should buy a seedling from a local nursery whenever possible. Doing so allows individuals to inspect the plant to make sure it has healthy branches and a strong root system.

It is important to have the right type of soil when planting magnolia trees. The area should be well drained, which means it does not hold water after a heavy rain. This tree thrives in sandy or clay soils, which are slightly alkaline rather than acidic. Homeowners who are unsure what type of soil they have may want to have a soil analysis performed at their local extension office.

The root system of a magnolia tree needs plenty of room in order to grow properly. When planting magnolia trees, gardeners should dig a hole that is around twice as wide and twice as deep as the root ball of the plant. Doing so will ensure roots will not be cramped, giving the magnolia tree ample room to spread.

It can be a good idea to add manure to the hole before planting magnolias. After covering the hole with dirt, the surrounding area should be watered well in order to soak the roots thoroughly. Landscaping mulch can then be added to aid with weed control and help conserve moisture in the soil.

Growing magnolias can be a good landscaping choice for many gardeners, especially in the southeastern United States. These trees can provide brilliant blooms as well as shade in a backyard garden. Knowing how to plant and care for this tree can help homeowners fully enjoy this unique plant.

Discussion Comments

Fa5t3r

Most people think of the pink and white magnolias when they go to plant one, but consider the southern magnolia as well. They aren't quite as ostentatious but I think the flowers are all the more lovely for that. We had one in the backyard when I was a kid and the flowers smell really heavenly.

Mor

@Ana1234 - Speaking of windows, if you're thinking of planting a magnolia, remember that they are gorgeous trees and quite perfect for putting within the line of sight of one the rooms in your house. If you put it where someone in the kitchen can see it through the window, it will give them something pleasant to look at when doing the dishes, for example.

I have lovely memories of the magnolia trees that were planted all over my high school. I have to admit that I spent much more time looking out the window at them than I probably should have.

One of these days I'm going to have to try growing magnolia trees for myself, but I don't have the land for it right now.

Ana1234

It's a good idea to make sure you've got the right size for your area. Don't plant a massive magnolia right next to your house, for example, because the root system could end up interfering with the pipes and the branches could end up coming through the windows.

There are larger and smaller trees and you need to get the right one for the place you want to put it. Might be a good idea to consider the wants and needs of the neighbor when planting a magnolia tree as well.

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    • Woman with a flower
      Woman with a flower