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How to grow magnificent magnolias

BY READERS DIGEST

1st Jan 2015 Home & Garden

How to grow magnificent magnolias

This all time favourite takes centre stage with scented, showy blooms as winter warm ups.

Plant Profile

Each year in late winter, deciduous magnolia opens up impressive blooms on foliage-free stems before the bright green leaves arrive in spring.

The large, fragrant flowers come in white, pink, purple or yellow, and can be on display for weeks at a time, cheering up a garden otherwise devoid of colour.

An ancient plant family that originated in China, Magnoliaceae has more than 80 species in the genus, and fossil records show some are almost 60 million years old.

Magnolias have been highly prized throughout history. Intrepid plant hunters from Britain braved dangerous journeys in the 18th century to search for the exotic plant in China, the Himalayas and Tibet.

 

Keep it small

Magnolias range from medium-sized shrubs to small trees up to eight metres tall, and many are too large for an average-sized backyard.

Compact varieties are better in small gardens, such as Magnolia stellata ‘Rosea’, a pink-flowering tree that should only reach three metres.

With a mature size of up to five metres, Magnolia x loebneri ‘Ballerina’ is another favourite, featuring masses of white flowers tinged with pink from late winter through to spring.

The recently released compact evergreen Magnolia grandiflora ‘Teddy Bear’ is a popular choice, with glossy rounded leaves and large white blooms.

TIP: Even if size isn’t an issue, plant a single species of magnolia to better appreciate the colour and form.

 

In the garden

Magnolia is a relatively easy-care plant that is resistant to disease and doesn’t need much maintenance.

Position magnolia in full sun with shelter from hot afternoon rays but not too much shade, as this causes leggy growth and poor flowering. Magnolia also needs protection from strong winds that can bruise the delicate flowers. It doesn’t like to have its roots disturbed, so avoid planting anything underneath it and keep weeds at bay.

Plant in well-drained soil with added compost and manure. Add a layer of organic fertiliser as mulchin spring and water regularly.

Pruning is rarely required and can ruin the plant’s natural shape if you cut it back too harshly. Remove dead wood and trim branches growing in unwanted directions. Cut small excess branches in spring before the buds burst to use for indoor floral arrangements.

Watch for snails and slugs, which love the foliage. Leaf spot can be an issue after wet weather. Apply copper fungicide as a preventative measure, or wait for the magnolia to lose its leaves then rake and burn them.

 

Grow it in pots

Magnolia seeds aren’t available to buy in packets. Nurseries sell magnolias as young plants about a year old.

Small plants can be kept in pots, just choose a size that gives the fast-growing roots room to spread.

Add a potting mix rich in compost and position the plant so the soil level is 20mm below the pot rim, firming the mix down. Mulch with pine bark and water in well, then only weekly.

Fertilise in spring and autumn with a food for camellias and azaleas, as they are also acid-loving plants.

In summer magnolia produces a large brown pod full of red seeds that can be collected for propagation if you have the patience, as when growing from seed the first flowers won’t appear for at least 10 years.

 

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