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MAGNOLIA guidebook

blossoming magnolia tree with a balcony in the background

Container Growing

You might think of Magnolias as a plant life for larger gardens , but some can be grown in pot .

In this article , we will talk about which magnolia to grow in pots in a container garden , and the choices you will have to make to keep them hefty and happy .

pink flowers of Magnolia Liliiflora growing in a plastic pot

M. stellata‘Rosea’

Can Magnolia Trees Be Grown In Pots?

In short – yes !

If you grow magnolia trees in the flat coat , you will plain be capable to choose from a all-inclusive variety of plant , and they will take a lot less work .

Container gardens are generally high maintenance for the nurseryman .

potted white magnolia tree with large flower in focus

However , there is one very good reason why you might wish to grow Magnolia in containers , and that is because of their pH requirements .

Magnolia tree diagram like inert or acidic territory conditions .

While some can make do with more alkaline shape , if you have very alkalic ground , it is often upright to grow Magnolias in containers rather than fighting to amend the pH and grow them in the earth .

light pink flowers of Magnolia stellata ‘Rosea’

M. stellata‘Rosea’

Fortunately , magnolia tree have rather shallow tooth root , which can make them a good candidate for growing in larger containers .

Some types have fragrant efflorescence which makes them great for positioning in kitty confining to a seat area or outside leisure space .

Potted Magnolia Varieties

Magnolia trees can be full - sized trees or big shrubs .

If you plan on turn Magnolia in a container then it is important to pick out the right change .

Those with smaller manakin and less vigorous growth habits are generally easier to grow in stool .

Magnolia x loebneri ‘Merill’

M.xloebneri‘Merill’

Some options to consider which can be good for container horticulture include :

Make certain that you empathise how large the Magnolia you are conceive will eventually grow , and remember that while some magnolia can be grow in containers , not all can .

Even those which are good for container growing will need a sizeable throne and the right condition to thrive .

Pink magnolia buds

Positioning Potted Magnolia

Magnolias , whether grow in the ground in a garden or in potbelly , will command a internet site that is as sunny and sheltered as potential .

Magnolias are actually usually moderately hardy in the UK , however , the flower of magnolia can easy be damaged by early spring frosts .

Choosing Containers For Magnolia

Magnolias are usually purchased as bay window - grown trees , though they can occur in a range of containers of different sizing .

It is right to repot your Magnolia as soon as it arrives into large , lowering container which can support the weighting of a small Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree or shrub and which will not tip over easily .

you may purchase containers , but there is also a range of rescued items you could consider .

White and pink magnolia flowers shown growing from a large container

retrieve to choose a container that will not dry out too chop-chop during the summer months .

unequal pee over the summer is one of the common ground why a magnolia might not bloom as look .

Remember that a pitch-dark or dark - colourize container will heat up and dry out more speedily .

large glazed pots in various colours

The fabric from which a container is made is also important – glazed pots are better than terracotta for piss retention , for example .

It is also important to verify that your container has drainage hole and allow for beneficial drain too .

Magnolia Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree get stem system very quickly and intricately , so it is authoritative to choose a container that will suit the ultimate size of it of your tree .

gardener in overalls looking to prune a small magnolia sapling in a tiny plastic pot

front at the girth of the luggage compartment to get an idea of how all-inclusive the container call for to be .

A Magnolia with a trunk that is 2 cm wide , you will need a container at least 60 cm wide and 60 cm magniloquent .

For each centimetre around the diam of the tree trunk , the container should be 30 cm wider and taller .

large grey plastic containers filled with potting mix

So if a mature magnolia tree trunk is 5 centimetre around , it will involve a container or plantation owner 1.5 m wide and 1.5 m magniloquent .

large containers will be needed to grow Magnolia to maturity in pots .

Potting Mix For Magnolia

As mentioned above , Magnolias can thrive in neutral or acidulous soils .

Many magnolias will grow utterly well in a general multi - purpose compost with added John Innes ( or a homemade equivalent ) .

However , sealed sort will thrive in more acidic conditions and so it can sometimes be beneficial to fill your pots for Magnolia withan ericaceous potting mix .

small magnolia tree with pink and white flowers

Whichever potting mix you choose , verify it is light and complimentary - draining , yet wet retentive , to keep your magnolia tree as healthy and happy as possible .

Planting Magnolia In Pots

When you are planting a magnolia into its new pot or container , it is important to take care not to damage the root system as you do so .

As is usual with Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree and shrubs , it is significant to make trusted that you bury the magnolia to the same level that it was in its previous pot .

verify the graft head is not below the surface of the growing medium .

hands shown pruning a magnolia tree with secateurs

After planting , body of water well around the base of the works , and top the growing medium in the container with a leaf mould or another good quality organic mulch .

This will help to retain H2O in your pot and stop sens from growing up as much around the stand of your Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree .

Of course , it will also aid add natality , providing nutrients as the stuff break down easy over time .

Caring For Potted Magnolia

think of that a magnolia grow in a container will postulate to be watered more frequently in dry weather than one which is grown in the ground .

Keep the dirt moist throughout the summertime months to keep magnolias healthy and flowering well .

“ Ideally piss in the morning when plant start to employ it , although evenings are also okay , ” suggest Colin Skelly , an RHS Master of Horticulture .

“ To ensure that water is available to the plant throughout the pot filth , watering thoroughly less ofttimes is adept than frequently but less thoroughly . ”

magnolia grown in the ground will typically necessitate only mulch , and will not want additional alimentation .

When grow in mickle , however , some additional liquid feed may be helpful .

Feeding magnolias grow in containers in early spring with a high phosphorus and potassium liquidity feed can promote healthy growth and encourage more abundant flowering .

Magnolias should only be cut light , and after flowering .

Remove any branch which are idle , damaged or morbid and any which are cross and fray against one another .

you could also crop to throttle size of it somewhat , but should be circumspect as these trees do not wish or answer well to hard pruning .

If you prune too much , inflorescence may be reduced or cease the following year .

As long as you opt the proper magnolias , set them in the right container , with the right potting mix , in the correct emplacement , growing magnolia in pots is not too much of a challenge .

Just check that you do not let them dry out out .

Replenish mulch to bestow rankness each twelvemonth , and your magnolia Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree should be content in your container garden for many years to come .