How To Care For A Magnolia Tree

How to care for a magnolia tree

Most magnolia tree varieties grow best when they received fertilizers to have an ample amount of nitrogen. This means that fertilizers with an NPK ratio of 20-5-10 or 12-4-8 are most ideal for the tree. That being said, magnolia trees can also benefit from all-purpose fertilizers as well.

Where do magnolia trees grow best?

Magnolias grow best in fertile, well-drained, slightly acidic soil in full sun. Choose a sheltered spot that is not in a low-lying frost pocket – frost can damage the flowers.

Why are my magnolia leaves turning brown?

In hot weather, water evaporates rapidly from the leaves. If the roots can''t absorb and convey water fast enough to replenish this loss, the leaves turn brown and wither. For optimum growth, magnolias require moist soil. Leaf scorch is most severe when water is unavailable because the soil is dry.

How do I keep my magnolia leaves from falling off?

Magnolias have struggled during spring dry spells, and I've seen some with few leaves. Recent rains have helped, but keep your trees watered during such spells so they won't be forced to drop even more leaves. A good layer of mulch helps maintain soil moisture.

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.

Is Epsom salt good for magnolias?

Secondary only to moisture is the magnolia trees need for magnesium. The most common source of magnesium is Epsom salt.

Where should you not plant a magnolia tree?

Magnolias prefer full sun to light shade. If you live in a particularly warm or dry climate, your magnolia might benefit from a location shaded from the hot afternoon sun. If possible, avoid exposed, windy locations because strong winds can damage large flowers and the typically brittle branches.

What is the life expectancy of a magnolia tree?

It is thought that most southern magnolia trees (Magnolia grandiflora) have a life-span of 80-120 years, although the oldest tree on record is 320 years old in Italy. Also, in 2017, an old historic southern magnolia tree was removed from the White House that was about 190 years old.

How many years does it take for a magnolia tree to bloom?

If a magnolia tree is blooming a lot, it is likely a few years old, at least three. However, most magnolia trees do not start blooming until ten years old. While magnolia trees may bloom when they are young, they will not have a prolific bloom until they are at least a few years old.

How often should a magnolia tree be watered?

Water. Magnolias need to be watered 1 - 2 times a week for the first 6 months after planting, until the roots are established. After that, they will only need water during periods of extreme drought.

How do you revive a dying magnolia tree?

The best way is to use a biological control in the form of the bacteria known as Bacillus thuringiensis, which has various different trade names. Use it to spray plants in the cabbage family during summer, covering the entire leaf area of the plant.

Can you over water a magnolia tree?

Yes, you can over-water your magnolia tree. Magnolias prefer soil that is moist. However, like many garden plants, their roots can drown if they are constantly kept in water. They can also develop fungal issues such as root rot, which can be detrimental to the tree's life.

Why is my magnolia tree losing so many leaves?

Magnolias yellow and drop these old leaves in spring as they begin to bloom. This leaf drop is normal and no cause for alarm. (Fallen leaves often exhibit spots and blemishes, but this does not indicate a disease.) The amount of leaf drop can vary from year to year and often involves a good percentage of the foliage.

How often do magnolias drop leaves?

As an evergreen tree, magnolias periodically drop leaves during the year. In April and May they shed a large number of leaves leading up to flowering and putting on new vegetation.

What time of year do magnolia trees drop their leaves?

Now is when magnolia trees drop their old foliage. A significant number of leaves yellow and fall in late April and May as the trees come into bloom and start producing new growth.

How do you make a magnolia thrive?

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 do I make my magnolia tree thicker?

Remove suckers and water sprouts. These plants hold back your Magnolia Tree from growing up to its full potential. For thicker branches, you can fork them. For longer branches, a simple cut-off flush will do.

How do you increase magnolia growth?

Caring for a magnolia tree

Mulch annually in spring to help retain moisture in warmer months.
Feed with an acid-balanced controlled-release fertiliser in spring.
Ensure adequate moisture during hot and/or dry times, especially when plants are young (first 3 years).

Can you use Miracle Grow on magnolias?

Best All-Purpose Fertilizer To see Magnolias through the rest of summer post-flowering, you need Miracle-Gro Shake N' Feed. Working this into the soil will increase nitrogen and potassium availability to ensure healthy foliage and resistance to pests and diseases.

Can I just sprinkle Epsom salt on plants?

Adding Epsom salt is a simple way to increase the health of their blooms, and is something that you can include easily as a part of a normal routine. For potted plants, simply dissolve two tablespoons of Epsom salt per gallon of water, and substitute this solution for normal watering once a month.