Зміст
It is hard to resist the charm of magnolia and, probably, this is one of the reasons why it invariably reigns in the gardens of Ukrainians. It grows to an impressive size and attracts the eye with lush flowers of beautiful colors. For the magnolia to grow well and healthy, it must be planted in the garden on time and subjected to several caring treatments.
What is the best magnolia soil? What to look for when choosing a bush seedling? Why should you take special care of the roots? Below are some tips.
Magnolia: A few words about the plant.
Magnolia grows naturally in North America and East Asia, but the shrub’s immense popularity means it can be found in almost every corner of the world, and Ukraine is no exception. The number of species of magnolias is very impressive and even reaches 250. It is worth arranging a lot of space in the garden for it because it can grow up to eight meters in height. Large, slightly cupped, or star-shaped flowers of white, pink, or purple characterize it. Interestingly, they appear on the plant earlier than the leaves.
Magnolia has special soil requirements.
Magnolia needs a suitable place and soil to grow actively. Grows best in locations well sheltered from the wind and with open access to sunlight. Prefers a substrate with a slightly acidic pH (5-6). Before planting a seedling, the soil must be cleared of weeds, loosened well with a hoe, and slightly acidified by adding peat and humus to it. It can also be enhanced with multi-component fertilizer. You just need to avoid calcium supplements.
What to look for when buying a magnolia?
Magnolia sapling must be well rooted and free from mechanical damage. The best indicator of plant health, besides the roots, is the magnolia leaves. They should be healthy, free from signs of disease, and not frozen. It is best to buy a vegetative propagated specimen. It will bloom two years after planting. The planting date of magnolias must be adapted to the plant variety. Gardeners recommend planting intermediate, purple, or Japanese magnolias from April to August, and multi-flowered ones in early spring.
How to plant magnolia?
Special care must be taken when planting magnolias as they have a very delicate root system. A magnolia seedling must be skillfully removed from the container along with a lump of earth and placed in a hole dug in the loosened soil. The roots of the plant should not be touched or shortened, as this can lead to its death. (This rule should be observed every time you plant. Older specimens are best moved). A magnolia seedling placed in the soil must be watered with rainwater. Gardeners also recommend covering it with mulch to protect it from weed infestation and water loss. In autumn, the magnolia must be protected from frost with a layer of peat or bark and straw.
