Propagating Magnolia Trees - Learn How To Root Magnolia Trees

Place the cuttings in water as you take them. When you get all you need, remove all but the upper leaves of each cutting, then make a 2-inch (5 cm.) vertical slice in the stem end. Dip each stem end in a good hormone solution, and plant in small planters filled with moist perlite.

How long do Magnolia cuttings take to root?

Healthy evergreen magnolia cuttings will root in roughly nine weeks while deciduous varieties take anywhere from four to eight weeks to root.

How do you get a magnolia tree to sprout?

When you're ready to grow a magnolia tree from seed, you should plant the seeds in spring, either directly in the ground or in pots. Cover the seeds with about 1/4 inch (0.5 cm.) of soil and keep the soil moist until your seedlings emerge.

Can you dig up and replant a magnolia tree?

Magnolias can be safely transplanted if the trunk is no more than 4 inches in diameter. ... Magnolias should be transplanted in the winter or spring but not in the fall. When digging out the root ball to transplant, width is more important than depth, because most of the roots are in the top foot of soil.

Are magnolia trees shallow rooted?

Most tree roots seek a water source, and magnolia tree roots are no exception. Given the flexible roots and the shallow magnolia root system, it is not difficult for magnolia tree roots to head for cracks in your plumbing pipes if the tree is planted sufficiently close to the house.

Can you grow magnolias in pots?

If you don't have the right type of soil, the smaller magnolias grow well in pots. Many flower in spring, but some flower in summer. Magnolia trees and larger shrubs are ideal for growing as standalone trees, while the smaller varieties such as Magnolia stellata look good in a border or grown in a container.

Can you keep a magnolia tree small?

Growing Potted Magnolia Trees. ... And while standard magnolia varieties can reach 80 feet in height, several smaller cultivars max out at 20 feet tall. This means that a magnolia grown in a container or pot can brighten even a small space, and it can be moved to suit your (and your tree's) needs.

Can you root Magnolia cuttings in water?

The first step in propagating magnolia trees from cuttings is to take cuttings in the summer after the buds set. ... Place the cuttings in water as you take them. When you get all you need, remove all but the upper leaves of each cutting, then make a 2-inch (5 cm.) vertical slice in the stem end.

How fast does a magnolia tree grow?

Southern magnolias grow from 1 to 2 feet a year, reaching 60 to 80 feet tall with canopies spreading 30 to 50 feet wide. This is rated as a slow-to-medium rate of growth, but how fast a tree will grow varies with the cultivar and growing conditions.

How long does it take for a magnolia tree to bloom?

Magnolia bloom times vary as well. Although most trees bloom within 10 years after planting, some trees bloom sooner and some later, depending on soil, site and pruning techniques.

What kills a magnolia tree?

The wrong types of soil can stunt a magnolia's growth, increase stress levels or even kill the tree entirely. Magnolias do not like sitting in water. Poor draining soils often lead to root rot, a disease caused by fungi that attack the tree's roots, preventing the roots from delivering water and nutrients to the tree.

Where's the best place to plant a magnolia tree?

Magnolias prefer a spot in the garden that receives full sun to light shade. That said, if you live in a particularly warm or dry climate, your magnolia might benefit from a location shaded from the hot afternoon sun.

How do you move a tree without killing it?

Slide a piece of burlap cloth under the root ball; the burlap helps to keep the soil ball intact when you move the tree. This requires you to carefully lift the soil ball several times from different angles until you can get the burlap completely under the tree.

How far should a magnolia tree be planted from a house?

In general, plant large trees 30 to 50 feet from the house foundation to prevent damage by the roots. While magnolia roots are not considered invasive, they may seek out leaking water or sewer lines.

Do magnolia trees need a lot of water?

In general, you should water magnolia trees once a week during the first two growing seasons and twice a month in subsequent years. Magnolias planted in sandy soils need regular watering in smaller amounts, while magnolias in clay soils require deep, infrequent waterings.

How big do magnolia trees get?

Magnolias range from 8-foot multi-stemmed shrubby trees to specimens 70 feet tall, with a horizontal spread of 50 feet. Magnolias can be found to fit nearly every garden.

Do magnolia trees bloom twice a year?

It is normal for some of the healthy magnolias to flower twice. The one on the right is a star magnolia, of some type.

Are magnolias easy to grow?

Winter Blooming Magnolias, Spring Blooming Magnolias

Most of them are easy to grow and require little maintenance. Plant one these hardy flowering trees and bask year after year in its glory!

What is the best fertilizer for Magnolias?

An appropriate fertilizer for a magnolia tree would be 12-4-8 or 20-5-10. The amount of fertilizer given is based on the amount of nitrogen required. A general guideline to use for a magnolia tree would be 1/10 pound of nitrogen for every inch of trunk diameter.

Can I cut the top off my magnolia tree?

Although pruning magnolia trees is not necessary, young trees can be shaped as they grow. Trimming a magnolia tree when it is young will also improve the health of the tree and encourage more blooms. Mature magnolia trees do not recover from pruning and can sustain fatal wounds.

What is the most beautiful magnolia tree?

Southern Magnolia

With the floral name, Magnolia grandiflora, this beauty is the most common variety. So if you hear someone talking about a magnolia tree, this is probably the one they're referring to! Its large, creamy white and very fragrant flowers grace this broad leafed evergreen in late spring and early summer.

Do magnolias like full sun?

Magnolias prefer a sunny spot, with shelter from the hot afternoon sun and hot winds. A northern or eastern aspect is preferable. In frost-prone areas, young plants will need to be protected from frost for the first few winters.