How to take care of magnolia trees

Magnolia trees are known for their stunning perfumed blooms and the variegated style of their foliage. Their diverse appearance means that you have a wide range to choose from so you can find the perfect tree that speaks the most to your personality while complementing your garden.

Magnolias belong to the Magnoliaceae family of trees and shrubs. These flowering plants have brilliant blooms in a variety of shades, including yellow, purple, pink, white and red. Their leaves are equally exquisite, coming in a variety of shapes and forms. 

The two major types of magnolias are the evergreen magnolias and the deciduous magnolias. Evergreen magnolias are also referred to as the Southern magnolia or magnolia grandiflora. Magnolia grandiflora trees can grow as high as 20 metres and as wide as 12 metres, so they are more suited to larger yards. You can find a number of large magnolia grandifloras in Sydney, even one that grows 4 metres tall and 3 metres wide!

Then there are the deciduous magnolias, also called saucer magnolias or magnolia soulangeana. These trees are often called ‘tulip trees’ due to the shape of their blooms. One of its subtypes is the deciduous magnolias with star flowers which include the magnolia stellata, magnolia loebneri, and the magnolia kobus, among others. These flowers have petals that form multi-armed stars. Other popular magnolia species include the magnolia acuminata, magnolia subcordata, magnolia fraseri, and magnolia ashei.

 

Planting magnolia trees

It is recommended to plant magnolia trees at the beginning of fall for the root to develop before winter begins. This also helps them to settle by the time spring rolls in. However, evergreen species can be planted in spring without any issues. Remember, though, that evergreen magnolias need to be planted at a certain distance from houses or buildings as they can grow as wide as 12 metres.

Deciduous magnolias are smaller, so you can plant them along walls. Pick an area where it is not too wet in the winter months, but not too hot during the summer months either.

After planting, mulch the base of the magnolia tree to help retain moisture, sustain the soil acidity levels, and prevent the growth of weeds.

 

Sunlight, water and fertiliser

The good news is, taking care of magnolia trees, whether deciduous or evergreen, is easy since magnolias require little care, especially when they are correctly settled in. Almost all magnolias thrive in direct sunlight or even partial shade. Magnolias are thus perfectly suited for Australia’s climate.

As part of your routine of taking care of your magnolia tree, you will have to regularly water it to keep the soil around its base moist. Taking care of younger magnolia trees means watering them regularly and sufficiently until they are developed. It is recommended to fertilise magnolia trees in spring using a slow-release fertiliser — just in time for the flower buds to start developing.

If your magnolia tree does not bloom, try removing all of its surface dirt and topdressing or replacing the surface soul with healthy soil. 

 

Pruning your magnolia tree

Pruning is an important component when it comes to caring for your magnolia tree. Understanding when and how to prune your tree is dependent on whether it is deciduous or evergreen.

Deciduous magnolias should ideally be pruned in summer. Meanwhile, evergreen varieties should be pruned in springtime. Other wall-trained magnolias prefer to be pruned in mid-summer or early autumn after the flowers have finished blooming and when the leaves are completely open.

Young, deciduous magnolias especially need pruning to remove weak growth or to remove branches that seem out of balance with their natural shape. To prune, get your sharp scissors, pruning saw, and step ladder ready. Prune the trees to remove weak or broken branches as soon as possible but remember to keep pruning to a minimum. Don’t remove any branches unless it is absolutely necessary!

 

 

Spring Colours is a plant nursery located in Sydney’s Dural neighbourhood. With over 30 years of experience in garden landscaping and delivering high-quality plants to plant lovers at great prices, we are committed to making the world a greener place and adding new life to your home and garden. Contact us to find out about our wholesale service delivery or visit our store in Dural to browse our collection of plants!