Tips for growing the elegant magnolia tree in your garden

There is no doubt that Magnolias are one of the most beautiful flowers there are. These come from the magnolia tree, which is notable for its blooms and appearance. This tree is native to Asia and America, but can also be grown in Spain with a little care. How about we give you some tips for growing a magnolia tree in your garden?

Find out which tree is best to plant and all the care it needs to keep it from dying after a few months. Shall we begin?

Varieties of the magnolia tree

The first thing you should know about the magnolia tree is that there are numerous species and varieties. Each one produces different flowers, although the vast majority are white, pink, purple, or yellow.

For Mediterranean climate, The most recommended are the following varieties:

• Grandiflora, or common magnolia. It grows up to 30 meters tall and has large, white flowers. These appear in summer, and you'll notice their special aroma.
• Soulangeana. This is a hybrid and blooms in spring. These are tulip-shaped and can be found in both white and purple-pink varieties.
• Stellata. It's perfect if your garden isn't very large, and its white, star-shaped flowers will appear in spring.
• Denudata. Before the leaves emerge, this magnolia tree produces white flowers in early spring.

If on the contrary, you live in the north of Spain, then the recommended varieties are:

• Soulangeana, because it tolerates cool, humid climates and winter frosts quite well.
• Kobus, a species native to Japan and highly resistant to cold and humidity.
• Loebneri, which is a hybrid between Magnolia stellata and Kobus, and would be ideal for areas where winters are long and wet.
• Sieboldii, less known and blooming in summer, but with a fairly high resistance to cold and humidity.

Magnolia Tree Care

In general, magnolia tree care is similar for all species. But depending on where you are, you may need to take more specific steps. Therefore, below is a general guide so you know everything you need to keep in mind when caring for your magnolia tree.

Location and temperature

At the beginning of the article, we mentioned what a magnolia tree is in your garden. But it can be planted in the ground or in a large pot. Magnolias appreciate direct sunlight. In fact, the more light they get, the more they bloom.

But it all depends on the climate. You see, if you live in the Mediterranean region and the summers are very hot, it might be a good idea to place it in partial shade to avoid the most intense hours of sunlight. This can cause heat stress, as it has to endure very high temperatures, sometimes 24 hours a day. If, on the other hand, your climate is more temperate during the summer, you can safely place it in full sun.

In any case, Never place it in windy areas. The reason is that magnolia branches are fragile and can break in the wind. It's also a good idea to find a spot with plenty of space. Magnolias spread a lot, both in terms of branches and trunk, as well as at the root level. And if they're near other trees or plants, they could compete with each other for nutrients.

Regarding the temperature, The ideal temperature for the magnolia tree is between 15 and 25 ºC. In winter, it will depend on the species, but the temperature shouldn't drop too much to avoid problems. In fact, if the winter is cold, it's best to place it in a greenhouse (or cover it if it's planted) to prevent it from suffering.

Only a few species can tolerate temperatures below zero. However, when temperatures rise above 30°C, flowering can be compromised, especially if there is insufficient humidity.

Substratum

Magnolia soil should be slightly acidic. Furthermore, due to its flowering characteristics, it must be rich in organic matter and well-drained to prevent waterlogging.

If you are going to plant it in a pot or in the ground, before doing so, Add a layer of compost, peat, or a combination of both.This will help ensure better nutrition as it settles much faster. You can then simply plant it in slightly acidic soil mixed with drainage, such as perlite or something of equal or greater size.

If you have it in a pot, we recommend checking the soil and even repotting it every year or two. If it has grown too much, it's likely that the soil is lacking nutrients, and this will affect the plant's development.

Irrigation

Watering is one of the most important aspects of magnolia tree care. Experts recommend watering very regularly during the first year. The goal is to keep the soil moist, but not waterlogged. This will help it adapt better to the climate and is done for a year to allow it to survive all seasons.

After a year, and as time goes by, you will notice that it will tolerate periods of drought better.

When it comes to watering, Instead of doing it all at once, it is better to use drip irrigation. because this way you will avoid fungal diseases, as well as overwatering and over-wetting the soil.

If you want to be on the safe side, according to the American Horticultural Society, one trick to help retain moisture and maintain a stable soil temperature is to add a layer of mulch.

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Because of the flowering, the magnolia tree needs fertilizer. We recommend that you you add a little compost or fertilizer in spring, before it starts to bloom. That'll make it perfect.

Plagues and diseases

Although magnolias are very resistant, the truth is that they may be affected by certain pests, especially in the case of aphids, thrips or scale insects.

Regarding diseases, Mildew is one of the most problematic, as well as the appearance of leaf spots or root rot (due to excessive watering or compacted soil).

To avoid this you can use organic insecticides, potassium soap or neem oil.

Now that you know more about the magnolia tree, are you ready to have one in your garden?