Magnolia is a popular landscape plant for its large, showy flowers that bloom in spring and early summer. These plants grow best in moist soil or containers with excellent drainage. Keep them from becoming root-bound by never overwatering the plant or allowing the roots to sit in water after a soaking rain.
They prefer full sun but grow well in partial shade, as well. However, they arenג€™t able to handle extended exposure to strong direct sunlight, so they are usually planted where they will get at least partial shade throughout the day. They also donג€™t like being attacked by insectsג€”see our article on How to Properly Care For Your Magnolia For tips on keeping these plants healthy and pest-free. Here we’ll explain where you should plant a Magnolia that will thrive in your yard.
How Much Room Does a Magnolia Tree Need?
The ideal location for a Magnolia is in the center of the yard of a large, open yard. The plant needs to be within 50 feet from a water source and has to be surrounded by a fence or barrier that is at least 6 feet tall. Magnolia trees grow quickly, so you will need to make sure thereג€™s plenty of room for them to grow; they also produce large amounts of flowers.
When it comes time to transplant your Magnolia into the ground, dig up deep, well-drained soil in the planting hole so that your tree has good drainage and will have minimal problems with root rot. For added insurance, line your planting hole with landscape fabric before adding in topsoil and planting your plant.
How Far From a House Should a Magnolia Be Planted?
A good rule of thumb for planting a Magnolia is to plant it at least 12-14 feet from the house. If you live in a region with cold winters, then make sure your Magnolia is planted further away from the houseג€”at least 15-16 feet.
If you plant your Magnolia too close to the house, it may not bloom every year because its flowers are affected by the heat generated by your home’s heating system.
Do Magnolias Do Well in Pots?
Yes, you can grow Magnolias in a pot. These plants will benefit from being in a smaller container because they are slow-growing and need ample time to develop their massive flower heads. They tolerate lower levels of light than most other plants, so there is no need for them to be placed where they will be in direct sun all day long.
They also do well planted against the west or north walls of your home’s exterior. This location will provide them with plenty of sun during the daytime, but they will avoid the intense afternoon heat that can cause leaves to burn. The bottom line? Magnolias are beautiful plants that can be grown almost anywhereג€”you just have to pick the right spot for them.
Where Should You Not Plant a Magnolia Tree?
When planting a Magnolia, the most important thing is to keep it in a location that has good drainage. So avoid planting it in areas where the ground is very wet or where water pools after rainfall. Planting your Magnolia outside in locations with poor drainage is likely to lead to root rot and fungus problems.
