Magnolia Care – How to Grow and Look After Magnolia Plants

Big flowering beauties! Magnolia plants catch the eye across the garden. Know how to grow!

Magnolias are spring to summer garden showstoppers. There’s just something about those goblet-shaped blooms – big, bold and often delightfully scented.

Whether you’re after a tree that’ll make a statement or a compact shrub for a small garden or patio, there is a Magnolia for all! They’re reliable, long-lived, and once settled in, are remarkably low maintenance.

That said, like any plant, they’ll do best with thoughtful care. Here’s everything you need to know to grow them successfully, even if you’re a beginner gardener.

What are Magnolias?

Magnolias are ancient flowering plants – known as some of the very oldest! Their elegant, often fragrant blooms have been gracing our gardens for centuries.

Most varieties are deciduous and flower in early spring before the leaves appear, but some, like Magnolia grandiflora, are evergreen and bloom in late summer with large flowers, emerging pink, white, or yellow.

Magnolia Plants Sold by YouGarden

Some of the most popular varieties are the flowering types, such as Magnolia stellata, Magnolia x soulangeana, and Magnolia ‘Susan’, prized for their spring blossom.

While virtually all Magnolias do flower, some younger plants or those grown in poor conditions may take a few years to bloom. They come in a range of sizes too – from compact shrubs ideal for containers or small gardens, to majestic standard trees that really standout on a patio or balcony.

When is the Best Time to Plant Magnolia

The ideal time to plant a Magnolia is in early spring or autumn – basically when the soil is moist, workable, and not frozen. This gives the roots plenty of time to established before summer heat for cold winter conditions.

Spring-planted specimens will appreciate consistent watering in their first year, especially during dry spells. If you’re planting a deciduous Magnolia, try to get it in the ground while it’s still dormant, ideally before the buds break in March or April.

Autumn is great too, especially in milder conditions, giving the plant a head start before the following growing season. However, container-grown plants supplied in a nursery pot can be planted almost any time of year, as long as the soil isn’t frozen or waterlogged.

Step-by-Step Guide to Planting a New Magnolia

Choose the right spot – Sheltered from strong winds, in full sun to light dappled shade. Avoid frost pockets.

Prepare the soil – Magnolias prefer slightly acidic, free-draining soil that retains moisture. Add plenty of organic matter like compost or leaf mould.

Dig a generous hole – Approximately twice as wide as the pot the plant is supplied in and just as deep. Loosen the base and sides with a fork to help the roots spread.

Position your plant – Gently remove it from the pot and lower it into the hole so the top of the rootball sits level with the soil surface.

Backfill and firm – Use the soil you removed (enriched with compost) to fill the hole, gently firming it in as you go.

Water thoroughly – Give it a good soak straight after planting.

Mulch – Add a layer of bark, compost or leaf mould around the base to keep moisture in and weeds out – just keep it clear of the stem.

If planting your Magnolia in a pot, make sure it’s large, at least 40–50cm in diameter, and has pre-inserted drainage holes. Fill with an ericaceous compost for best results.

Caring for Magnolia

Once planted, Magnolias are relatively easy to care for, but there are a few things that really help them shine.

Watering Magnolia Plants - Keep young plants well-watered in their first two years, particularly during prolonged spells of hot and dry weather. After that, they’re fairly drought-tolerant, but benefit from deep watering in dry weather.

Feeding Magnolia Plants - Feed in spring with a balanced, slow-release fertiliser. General fertilisers formulated for flowering shrubs is ideal, as too much nitrogen can mean lots of leaves but fewer flowers.

Pruning and Trimming Magnolia Plants - Magnolias generally don’t need much pruning. In fact, they resent hard pruning, so it’s best to just remove dead, damaged or crossing branches after flowering. Light shaping is fine in midsummer.

Winter Care For Magnolia Plants - Most hardy types cope well with UK winters once established. For young or container-grown plants, protect the roots with a thick mulch and, if necessary, fleece during severe cold snaps. Late frosts can damage emerging buds, so position plants away from east-facing spots to reduce risk.

Do you have any Magnolia growing in your garden? We’d love to see them! Share pictures with us on Facebook here!