Maintenance Landscaping Design

Magnolia bush is a beautiful flowering plant that is native to North America. This shrub is a member of the Magnoliaceae family and can grow to be up to 10 feet tall. The magnolia bush has large, dark green leaves and produces white or pink flowers that are about 4 inches in diameter. This plant blooms in the spring and summer months and is a popular choice for gardens and landscaping.

Alternative name

• Cucumbertree
  
• Mountain magnolia
  
• Umbrella tree
  
• Bigleaf magnolia
  
• Southern magnolia

Things to Know

• The leaves of the magnolia bush are large and green, and the flowers are white and fragrant.
  
• The bush can grow to be quite large, reaching up to 15 feet in height.
  
• The magnolia bush is native to East Asia and is commonly found in China, Japan, and Korea.
  
• The bush is often used as an ornamental plant in gardens and yards.
  
• The magnolia bush is known to be quite drought tolerant.
  
• The bush is also known to be tolerant of salt and other pollutants.
  
• The magnolia bush can live for many years, with some specimens known to be over 100 years old.
  
• The magnolia bush is known to attract bees, butterflies, and other insects.
  
• The bush is also known to be eaten by some animals, such as deer and rabbits.
  
• The magnolia bush is sometimes used in traditional Chinese medicine.

Related plant:
Magnolia Figo

How to Grow

1. For magnolia bush, first step is to purchase a quality bush that has been grown in ideal conditions.
   
2. Once you have your bush, find an area in full sun or partial shade in your yard that has well-drained soil.
   
3. Prepare the planting hole by digging it twice as wide and deep as the root ball of your bush.
   
4. Place the bush in the hole and backfill it with soil, tamping it down gently as you go.
   
5. Water the bush deeply immediately after planting.
   
6. Continue to water your bush regularly, especially during the first growing season.
   
7. Fertilize your magnolia bush in early spring and again in mid-summer, using a general-purpose fertilizer.
   
8. Prune your bush in late winter or early spring, before new growth begins.
   
9. Enjoy the beauty of your magnolia bush as it grows and blooms!
   
10. Remember to take care of it so it will continue to thrive for many years to come.

Related plant:
Magnolia Denudata

Considering the Soil

About soil conditions, magnolia bushes prefer acidic soil with a pH of 4.5 to 6.5. The soil should be well-drained with a lot of organic matter. The organic matter can be in the form of compost, manure, or peat.

Light requirement

Not too different with other plants, magnolia bushes need sun to grow and thrive. They should be planted in an area that gets six to eight hours of sunlight each day. While they can tolerate some shade, too much shade will cause the leaves to turn yellow and the plant to become less vigorous.

Ideal Temperature

The temperature condition that is ideal for a magnolia bush is anything above freezing. They can withstand very cold conditions and still look beautiful, making them a popular choice for winter gardens.

Humidity Level

Ideal humidity condition for this plant is between 40% to 60%. If the humidity is too low, the leaves will suffer and the plant may eventually die. If the humidity is too high, the plant may become susceptible to fungal diseases.

The Fertilizer

For the fertilizer, this plant prefers something with a low nitrogen content. This can be in the form of an organic compost or a slow-release fertilizer. For the roots, it is important to keep them moist but not waterlogged. This plant is not particularly tolerant of drought conditions.

Light requirement

Pruning a magnolia bush is a simple process that can be done with just a few basic tools. First, you will need to identify the branches that you want to remove. Once you have identified the branches, you will need to use a sharp pair of pruning shears to cut them off. Be sure to make your cuts clean and even so that the plant can heal quickly.

The Propagation

Propagation is typically done through rooting softwood or semi-hardwood cuttings taken from the magnolia bush. Cuttings should be taken from new growth and should be 6-8 inches long. The cuttings should be placed in a potting mix that is moist, but not wet, and should be placed in a shady spot. Cuttings should be checked regularly to make sure the soil is still moist and, after 6-8 weeks, the roots should be well established and the plant can be transplanted into a larger pot or into the ground.

Plant Growth

Usually, the plant growth rate during the spring and summer when the weather is warm and there is plenty of rain. The bush can grow up to 2 meters in a single season. In the fall, the growth rate of the magnolia bush slows down as the weather starts to cool off.

Basic Problems

Common problems for this kind of plant are caterpillars, aphids, and scale. The best way to control these pests is to use an insecticide specifically labeled for the pest you are trying to control. For caterpillars, you can also use a Bacillus thuringiensis (BT) product.

List to Know

• Do not forget to water your magnolia bush regularly. Allow the top inch of soil to dry out in between waterings.
  
• Apply fertilizer to your magnolia bush after every six to eight weeks during the growing season.
  
• Prune your magnolia bush in early spring, before new growth begins.
  
• Ensure that your magnolia bush has plenty of space to grow. It should be planted in an area that receives full sun.
  
• Keep an eye out for pests and diseases. If you notice any, treat them immediately.
  
• Be sure to deadhead your magnolia bush regularly. This will encourage new growth.
  
• Mulch your magnolia bush to help retain moisture and prevent weed growth.
  
• Water your magnolia bush deeply but infrequently. This will encourage deep root growth.
  
• Avoid walking or driving over the roots of your magnolia bush.
  
• Give your magnolia bush

Alternative Plants

• Magnolia subcordata
  
• Magnolia kobus
  
• Magnolia tripetala
  
• Magnolia fraseri
  
• Magnolia denudata
  
• Magnolia dawsoniana
  
• Magnolia kanzan
  
• Magnolia x veitchii
  
• Magnolia stellata
  
• Magnolia x soulangiana
  

Source:
Managing Pests in Gardens: Trees and Shrubs: Magnolia—UC IPM - ucanr.edu
Southern Magnolia - Gardening Solutions - University of Florida
Deciduous Magnolias | North Carolina Cooperative Extension