Maintenance Landscaping Design

Magnolia flowers is a plant that has big, beautiful flowers. It is a popular plant for gardens and landscaping. Magnolia flowers are also used in many floral arrangements.

Also known as

• Magnolia
  
• Tulip tree
  
• Southern magnolia
  
• Sweet bay
  
• Magnolia grandiflora

Things to Know

• Magnolia flowers are large and showy, and vary in color depending on the species.
  
• They are native to Asia, North America, and Central America.
  
• The flowers are pollinated by bees and other insects.
  
• The flowers are used in traditional medicine in some cultures.
  
• Magnolia trees can live for hundreds of years.
  
• Some species of magnolia have been introduced to other parts of the world and have become invasive.
  
• The wood of magnolia trees is used in furniture making and other woodworking.
  
• The magnolia is the state flower of Louisiana and Mississippi.
  
• The Magnolia genus is named after French botanist Pierre Magnol.
  
• The magnolia is a member of the Magnoliaceae family.

Related plant:
Magnolia Figo

Growing Steps

1. For magnolia flowers, first step is to find a suitable location. They prefer full sun to partial shade, and well-drained soil.
   
2. Once you have found the perfect spot, it is time to plant your magnolia. Flowers can be planted in either spring or fall.
   
3. If planting in spring, make sure to wait until all danger of frost has passed.
   
4. When you are ready to plant, dig a hole that is twice the width and depth of the root ball.
   
5. Gently remove the plant from its container and place it in the hole.
   
6. Fill in the hole with soil, making sure to compact it around the plant.
   
7. Water the plant deeply immediately after planting.
   
8. Mulch around the plant to help retain moisture and keep down weeds.
   
9. Fertilize the plant once a year in spring with a balanced fertilizer.
   
10. Enjoy your beautiful magnolia flowers!

Related plant:
Southern Magnolia Tree

Considering the Soil

About soil condition, magnolia flowers prefer well-drained, slightly acidic soil, and they will not tolerate wet, poorly drained soil. If your soil is too alkaline, you can lower the pH by adding sulfur. You can improve drainage by adding organic matter such as compost, bark chips, or pine straw to clay soil.

Light condition

Just like other flowers, magnolia flowers need sunlight to grow. They need at least six hours of sunlight a day, but they can also tolerate partial shade. If you live in an area with hot summers, it's best to plant magnolia flowers in a spot that gets some afternoon shade.

The Temperature

The temperature condition that is most conducive to magnolia flowers blooming is between 68 and 77 degrees Fahrenheit. However, the flowers can still bloom even if the temperature falls below or rises above this range.

Humidity Requirement

Ideal humidity condition for this plant is between 40-60%. The plant grows well in acidic to neutral soils that are well-drained and moist. It can tolerate some salt and can grow in both full sun and partial shade.

Fertilizing

About fertilizer, this plant does best with a organic fertilizer that is high in phosphorus. An example would be a 10-10-10 fertilizer. If you cannot find one with that high of phosphorus, you can use a 5-10-5 fertilizer. As for the roots, they do not like to be disturbed, so be very careful when transplanting.

Plant Pruning

Pruning is an important part of keeping your magnolia flowers looking their best. You should prune your magnolia flowers in early spring, before they start to bloom. Cut back any dead or damaged branches, and remove any branches that are crossing or rubbing against each other.

The Propagation

Propagation is typically done through rooting cuttings taken from the parent plant. Cuttings are usually taken from young, actively growing shoots that are 4-8 inches long. The cutting should have 2-3 leaves, and the bottom leaf should be removed. The cutting is then placed in a rooting medium, such as perlite, vermiculite, or sand. Once the cutting has taken root, it can be transplanted into a pot or the ground.

Growth Speed

Usually, the plant growth rate is about 6 to 12 inches per year. Some magnolia species have been known to grow as fast as 24 inches in a year. The growth rate of a magnolia flower is determined by many factors including the age of the plant, the type of soil, the amount of sunlight, and the amount of water.

Common Problems

Common problems for this kind of plant are incorrect planting, over-fertilizing, and not enough sunlight. Not enough sunlight will cause the flowers to be small and dull in color. Too much fertilizer will cause the leaves to yellow and drop off. The best way to avoid these problems is to plant the magnolia in an area that gets at least six hours of sunlight per day and to fertilize it only once a year.

Growing Tips

• Make sure to plant your magnolia in an area that gets plenty of sunlight.
  
• Magnolias need well-drained soil, so make sure your planting area is not too wet.
  
• When you water your magnolia, be sure to do so at the base of the plant and not from overhead.
  
• Fertilize your magnolia every few months with a balanced fertilizer.
  
• Prune your magnolia regularly to maintain its shape and size.
  
• Keep an eye out for pests and diseases, and treat them promptly if found.
  
• Deadhead spent flowers on your magnolia to encourage more blooms.
  
• Protect your magnolia from cold weather by covering it with a burlap cloth or blanket during the winter months.
  
• Magnolias can be sensitive to salt, so be careful not to use too much salt when de-icing sidewalks or driveways near your plant.

You May Like

• Magnolia liliiflora
  
• Magnolia kobus
  
• Magnolia officialis
  
• Magnolia fraseri
  
• Magnolia ashei
  
• Magnolia fulva
  
• Magnolia dawsoniana
  
• Magnolia coco
  
• Magnolia campbellii
  
• Magnolia breauxiana

Source:
Magnolia grandiflora | Landscape Plants | Oregon State University
Magnolia - Horticulture, Landscape, and Environmental Systems
Magnolia 'Jane' (Jane Magnolia, Magnolia) | North Carolina …