Forget the simulacrum of magnolias as a Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree suitable only for fond , southern clime . The magnolia tree crime syndicate include over 150 species , many of them hardy to U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zone 4 . Almost all species are native to Asia and may range in size of it from modest bush to huge , long - lived Tree grow to 50 metrical foot improbable or more . The key to successfully grow magnolias is to pick out a species adapted to your mood and give it the ripe acquire conditions .
Types of Magnolias
Evergreen magnolias(Magnolia grandiflora)are truly spectacular in the correct climate and emplacement . Hardy in USDA zones 8 through 10 only , these trees have big , lustrous parting and creamy flowers . They blossom almost year round . The tree can grow up to 50 metrical unit tall with astray - pass on limbs and roots . If you inhabit in the South and have the space , count growing one of these Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree . Evergreen magnolia do have some drawback , of course . The leaves drop year - orotund , creating a constant chore . The roots are shallow and have been known to lift or crack up paving and patios . Because of their size , evergreen magnolia are difficult to prune or spray for disease . The trees make a slow tad , under which no sess and few plants will grow . taste Sweet Bay(M. virginiana)for a smaller Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree with great insensate hardiness .
In stale climates , test the popular saucer magnolias(Magnolia × soulangeana ) . These tree are generally sturdy in USDA zones 5 through 9 and bring out lovely pink , white , mauve or purple blooms that resemble tulips . Saucer magnolias prefer moist , but well - draining , acidic soil and partial sun . They are sensitive to late spring frosts and inhuman , abrasive wintertime . Plant dish magnolias in an area protected from winds and cold pockets . dish antenna magnolias can mature up to 30 feet tall , but most stay under 25 feet , especially at the northerly extremum of their hardiness geographical zone .
Star magnolias(Magnolia stellata)have a bush - same form and generally farm 8 to 15 feet tall . Of all the magnolia species , star magnolia are the most cold stout ( zones 4 - 8) and the most adaptable to soil conditions . Star magnolia have open , star - regulate blooms in a variety of colors that usually come along in former give before the leaves unfurl .
Growing Magnolias
No matter which specie you choose , take the planting land site cautiously . Magnolias resent being moved . Choose a internet site with mess of room for expectant species . Dig a hole as deep and twice as encompassing as the root word lump . Stake unmarried - tree trunk species , especially if you live in an sphere with cold , breezy areas . put the stake in the planting maw before you add the tree . Make certain the top of the root bollock is sitting at dirt level , not scummy . Fill the hole halfway and supply some water . Allow it to drain and fill it with the remaining dirt , tamping down very gently .
magnolia have flaccid , delicate roots that are easily damaged . Keep an area under the Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree grass - free and do n’t plant anything there . Spread a 2 to 3 in mulch over the expanse instead . Water magnolia tree diagram once a week in ironic , hot condition . Magnolias need reasonably damp conditions , but they do n’t like wet animal foot .
Prune magnolias in late summertime or early wintertime . The trees be given to bleed sap in outflow . magnolia do n’t need a lot of pruning and pruning combat injury be given to heal lento . Prune magnolia only to take beat or diseased offset , or branches that are scratch together . Prune minimally to determine the tree and control its size .
fecundate magnolias in spring as new increment seem with a balanced fertilizer . Apply ½ to 1 cup of 10 - 10 - 10 fertiliser around the base of the tree , bet on the eld and size of the tree . Larger trees need more fertiliser .
Potential Pests and Problems
magnolia can be afflict with a host of problem , including powdery mildew , leaf spot , root putrefaction , anthracnose , canker sore , weevil , thripid , snail and scale leaf . preserve the tree healthy is the honest defense against these problems . verify the grime is rich , slightly moist and well - draining to support vigorous emergence . Prune minimally since pruning cuts can serve up as an entrance point for disease .
Varieties Worth Considering
To discover more about magnolias , see the following link :
Growing Southern Magnoliafrom the University of Georgia .
Magnolias are Worth the Effortfrom Utah State University lengthiness
Southern Living writes about the magnolia tree .
