How to Grow Japanese Magnolia - Plant Care & Tips

By NorwichGardener Team   /   2025

Japanese magnolia is a plant that grows in japan. it is a popular plant in japan and is used in many japanese gardens. japanese magnolia is a member of the magnolia family and is native to japan, china, and korea.

How to Grow Japanese Magnolia - Plant Care & Tips

Popular name

  • Magnolia kobus
  • Japanese magnolia
  • Kobus magnolia
  • Magnolia stellata
  • Star magnolia

Basic info

  • The japanese magnolia is a flowering tree that is native to Japan.
  • It can grow to be up to 30 feet tall and has large, fragrant flowers.
  • The flowers are typically white, but can also be pink or purple.
  • The tree blooms in late spring or early summer.
  • Japanese magnolias are popular landscaping trees and are often used in public parks and gardens.
  • The trees are relatively low-maintenance and are tolerant of a variety of soil types.
  • Japanese magnolias are susceptible to a number of pests and diseases, including aphids, scale, and mildew.
  • The trees can be propagated from seed, cuttings, or grafting.
  • Japanese magnolias are popular as bonsai trees.
  • The wood of the japanese magnolia is used in a variety of woodworking applications.

Related plant:
Japanese Azalea Orange

Planting Process

  1. For japanese magnolia, first step is to choose a location. Pick a spot in your yard that gets full sun to partial shade.
  2. Next, prepare the soil. Japanese magnolia prefers well-drained soil, so amend your soil with organic matter if needed.
  3. Once the soil is ready, it's time to plant your tree. Japanese magnolia is best planted in the spring or fall.
  4. Water your tree regularly, especially during the first growing season.
  5. Fertilize your tree annually with a well-balanced fertilizer.
  6. Japanese magnolia is generally low-maintenance, but you may need to prune it occasionally to control its shape.
  7. Keep an eye out for pests or diseases. If you notice any problems, treat them immediately.
  8. Enjoy the beauty of your japanese magnolia tree!
  9. Remember to winterize your tree properly if you live in a colder climate.
  10. With proper care, your japanese magnolia will thrive for many years to come.

Related plant:
Crimson Queen Japanese Maple

The Soil

About soil condition, it prefers rich, well-drained soils but once established, it is quite tolerant of less than ideal conditions such as poor soils, drought, and salt. In fact, it is often used in landscaping to help stabilize problem areas.

About light

Like the other magnolia trees, the Japanese magnolia (Magnolia x soulangiana) requires full sun to partial shade to thrive. It should be planted in an area that receives at least six hours of direct sunlight each day. The tree will also do well in dappled shade, or light that filters through the branches of trees. too much shade will make the Japanese magnolia's leaves turn yellow and may even cause the tree to drop its flowers.

Ideal Temperature

The temperature condition of the Japanese magnolia is very important for the growth and flowering of the plant. The plant prefers a temperature range of 15 to 20 degrees Celsius for optimal growth. However, the plant can tolerate a wide range of temperatures, from -10 to 35 degrees Celsius. The plant will not flower if the temperature is below 10 degrees Celsius.

Humidity Level

Ideal humidity condition for this plant is 60-70%. If the humidity is too low, the leaves will dry out and the buds will fall off. If the humidity is too high, the leaves will yellow and the plant will be more susceptible to diseases.

Fertilizing

Mentioning fertilizer, this kind of plant need average watering, in order to maintain a good control of the watering, we recommend using a fertilizer that has a high content of phosphorus and nitrogen. Also, the ideal way to fertilize japanese magnolia is to use a fertilizer that has a low content of potassium.

About light

Pruning is an important part of caring for a Japanese magnolia. Pruning not only helps to keep the tree healthy, but also can help to shape it and keep it looking its best. When pruning, be sure to remove any dead or diseased branches, as well as any branches that are rubbing against each other. It is also a good idea to prune back any branches that are growing too close to power lines or buildings.

The Propagation

Propagation of the Japanese magnolia is typically done by taking softwood or hardwood cuttings from the mother plant. The cuttings should be taken from new growth that is about 6-8 inches long. The cuttings should be taken from the middle of the stem and have at least 2-3 leaves on them. The bottom leaves should be removed and the cutting should be placed in a pot with moistened potting mix. The pot should be placed in a warm location and the cuttings should be monitored for new growth. Once the cuttings have rooted, they can be transplanted into individual pots.

Growth Speed

Usually, the plant growth rate is about 1 to 2 feet per year. In ideal conditions, some magnolias can grow up to 3 feet per year. Magnolias that are grown in poor conditions may have a growth rate of only 1/2 foot per year.

Common Problems

Common problems for this kind of plant are root rot, powdery mildew, and scale. Root rot is caused by too much water and can be fatal to the plant. Powdery mildew is a white powder that covers the leaves and can cause them to turn yellow and fall off. Scale is a small insect that sucks the sap out of the plant and can cause the leaves to turn yellow and fall off.

Tips on Growing

  • Do not forget to water your Japanese magnolia regularly. The plant cannot tolerate drought well.
  • fertilize your plant with a balanced fertilizer regularly to promote growth.
  • Prune your plant as needed to encourage a compact growth habit and to remove any damaged or diseased branches.
  • Place your plant in an area with full sun to partial shade for best growth.
  • Keep the soil around your plant evenly moist but not soggy.
  • Bring your plant indoors or protect it from the cold winter weather if you live in an area with severe winters.
  • Watch for pests and diseases such as aphids, slugs, and powdery mildew and take action to control them as needed.
  • Propagate your plant by taking softwood or semi-ripe cuttings in late spring or early summer.
  • You can also propagate your plant by seed, although it can be difficult to get the

Related Plants

  • Magnolia 'Chickasaw' - grows in Zones 4-8 and reaches 20 to 25 feet
  • Magnolia dawsoniana - grows in Zones 6-9 and reaches 20 to 30 feet
  • Magnolia axillaris - grows in Zones 6-9 and reaches 10 to 20 feet
  • Magnolia figo - grows in Zones 6-9 and reaches 8 to 10 feet
  • Magnolia kobus - grows in Zones 4-9 and reaches 30 to 40 feet
  • Magnolia liliiflora - grows in Zones 6-9 and reaches 8 to 10 feet
  • Magnolia stellata - grows in Zones 4-8 and reaches 10 to 15 feet
  • Magnolia virginiana - grows in Zones 4-9 and reaches 30 to 40 feet
  • Magnolia x loebneri 'Merrill'

Source:
The Japanese Magnolia | Writing the "American" Self
FPS-367/FP367: Magnolia x soulangiana 'Alexandrina' …
Magnolia | Home & Garden Information Center - Clemson University

Richelle Author Photo
Reviewed & Published by Richelle
Submitted by our contributor
Trees Category