How to Grow Magnolia Grandiflora - Plant Care & Tips

By NorwichGardener Team   /   2024

Magnolia grandiflora is a plant that is native to the southeastern United States. It is a large evergreen tree that can grow to a height of 100 feet. The leaves of the tree are large and leathery, and the flowers are white and very fragrant.

How to Grow Magnolia Grandiflora - Plant Care & Tips

Popular name

  • Bull Bay
  • Evergreen Magnolia
  • Large-flowered Magnolia
  • Southern Magnolia
  • Swamp Magnolia

Things to Know

  • Magnolia grandiflora is a large, evergreen tree that can grow up to 80 feet tall.
  • Its leaves are dark green and glossy, and its flowers are white and fragrant.
  • Magnolia grandiflora is native to the southeastern United States.
  • It is often used as an ornamental tree in gardens and parks.
  • Magnolia grandiflora is tolerant of a wide range of soils and climates.
  • It prefers full sun but can tolerate partial shade.
  • It is relatively drought-tolerant once established.
  • It is relatively pest- and disease-free.
  • Magnolia grandiflora can be propagated from seed, cuttings, or division.
  • It is sometimes called the southern magnolia or bull bay.

Related plant:
Magnolia Figo

Planting Process

  1. For magnolia grandiflora, first step is to purchase a plant that is already started.
  2. The next step is to find an appropriate location for planting.
  3. Once you have found the perfect location, dig a hole that is twice the size of the container the plant is currently in.
  4. Next, remove the plant from its container and place it into the hole you have just created.
  5. Once the plant is in the hole, fill in the remainder of the hole with dirt and pat it down gently.
  6. The next step is to water the plant deeply.
  7. The plant should be fertilized monthly using a balanced fertilizer.
  8. Grandifloras should be pruned in late winter or early spring.
  9. Be sure to provide supplemental water to the plant during periods of drought.
  10. With proper care, your magnolia grandiflora will thrive and provide you with beautiful flowers for many years to come.

Related plant:
Magnolia Soulangeana

Soil Condition

About soil condition, magnolia grandiflora prefers acidic, well-drained soils, but it is tolerant of a range of soil conditions. It does not like wet, poorly drained soils. The soil should be rich in organic matter.

Light requirement

Like the other plants, magnolias need sunlight to grow. They prefer full sun, which means they need at least six hours of direct sunlight each day. However, they can also tolerate partial sun, which means they need at least four hours of sun each day. Magnolias can also tolerate some shade, but they will not flower as well in these conditions.

Ideal Temperature

The temperature conditions that are most ideal for magnolia grandiflora are between 65 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit. This range of temperatures allows the plant to retain its moisture and prevents the leaves from drying out. The plant also needs to be in an area where there is plenty of sunlight.

Humidity Requirement

Ideal humidity condition for this plant is 50% or lower. The plant does not tolerate high humidity well and may start to experience problems such as leaf drop and fungal diseases. If the humidity is too high, the plant may also start to produce less flowers.

Fertilizing

The fertilizer, this type of plant need, is a 5-10-5. The fertilizer should be fed to the plant during the spring and summer. If the plant is in a pot, the roots will need to be fertilized every two weeks. If the plant is in the ground, the roots will need to be fertilized every month.

Light requirement

Pruning is an important part of maintaining a healthy magnolia grandiflora. Pruning should be done in early spring, before new growth appears. The best time to prune is when the plant is still dormant. This will help to prevent damage to the new growth.

About Propagating

Propagation of magnolia grandiflora is relatively easy and can be done either by seed or by cuttings. Seed germination can take anywhere from one to six months, so patience is required. Cuttings should be taken from young, healthy branches in late spring or early summer. The cuttings should be about four to six inches long and placed in a rooting hormone before being placed in a well-drained potting mix. Keep the cuttings moist and in a warm, sunny location until they have rooted, which can take four to eight weeks. Once rooted, the magnolia grandiflora can be transplanted into a larger pot or garden bed.

Growth Rate

Usually, the plant growth rate during the spring and summer when rainfall is plentiful and temperatures are warm. The average growth rate for this species is between 1-2 feet per year. However, growth rates can vary depending on the tree's age, location, and health. For example, young trees may grow more quickly than mature trees, and trees in southern regions may grow more rapidly than those in northern regions. Additionally, trees that are well-cared-for are likely to have faster growth rates than trees that are not.

Common Problems

Common problems for this kind of plant are caterpillars, scale, sooty mold, and root rot. Caterpillars are the most common problem and can be controlled with insecticidal soap or Bacillus thuringiensis. Scale can be controlled with horticultural oil or insecticidal soap. Sooty mold is a fungus that grows on the honeydew secreted by scale and can be controlled with fungicides. Root rot can be a problem in poorly drained soils and can be controlled by planting in well-drained soil and applying a root rot fungicide.

Growing Tips

  • If you live in an area with cold winters, it's best to plant your magnolia grandiflora in spring or early summer.
  • Choose a sunny spot in your garden for planting.
  • Dig a hole that is twice the width and depth of the plant's pot.
  • Gently loosen the roots of the plant before placing it in the hole.
  • Backfill the hole with soil, tamping it down gently as you go.
  • Water the plant well after planting.
  • Apply a layer of mulch around the base of the plant to help retain moisture.
  • Fertilize the plant once a year with a slow-release fertilizer.
  • Prune the plant as needed to maintain its shape.
  • Keep an eye out for pests and diseases, and treat them promptly if found.

You May Like

  • Magnolia Ă—soulangeana (mulan magnolia, saucer magnolia)
  • Magnolia soulangiana (mulan magnolia, saucer magnolia)
  • Magnolia liliiflora (red magnolia, tulip tree magnolia)
  • Magnolia stellata (star magnolia)
  • Magnolia acuminata (cucumbertree, cucumber magnolia)
  • Magnolia kobus (kobus magnolia, korean magnolia)
  • Magnolia fraseri (fraser magnolia, mountain magnolia)
  • Magnolia tripetala (umbrella magnolia)
  • Magnolia virginiana (sweet bay, swamp bay, swamp magnolia)
  • Magnolia champaca (champak, fragrant champion, golden champa)

Source:
Magnolia grandiflora, southern magnolia | Trees of Stanford
Growing Southern Magnolia | UGA Cooperative Extension
Magnolia, Southern (Magnolia grandiflora 'Alta', Magnoliaceae) Â…

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Reviewed & Published by Richelle
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Trees Category