Magnolias are one of those trees people always stop and look at in the garden centre. When they’re in flower, they’re hard to miss – and if you’re thinking of planting one this weekend, we’ve got some!
There’s something unmistakably special about a magnolia in bloom. Whether it’s the soft, tulip-shaped flowers of a classic Magnolia soulangeana or the elegant simplicity of a star magnolia, they have a way of stopping you in your tracks.
Magnolias are always popular at time of year at Hildreth’s Garden Centre – and if you’re thinking of taking one home this weekend, the good news is they’re much easier to grow than you might expect.
Choosing the right magnolia for your garden
Before you plant, it’s worth taking a moment to choose the right variety for your space.
Some magnolias grow into large, spreading trees over time, making them ideal for bigger gardens where they can really come into their own. Others are far more compact, perfect for smaller spaces or even large containers.
If you’re unsure, this is where we can help in-store – but as a general guide:
- Magnolia stellata (Star Magnolia) is a great choice for smaller gardens, with delicate white flowers and a more compact shape
- Magnolia soulangeana varieties offer those classic, goblet-shaped blooms and suit medium to larger spaces
- Evergreen magnolias, like Magnolia grandiflora, bring year-round structure as well as flowers
The key is to think about how much space you have now – and how much you’ll have in five or ten years’ time.
Getting the position right
Magnolias are happiest when they’re given the right conditions from the start.
They prefer:
- A sheltered spot, away from strong winds
- Full sun or light shade
- A position where early morning sun won’t hit the buds too quickly (this helps protect spring flowers from frost)
Once settled, they don’t like being moved – so it’s worth choosing their spot carefully.
Soil matters more than you think
Like rhododendrons, magnolias prefer slightly acidic, moisture-retentive soil.
If your soil is on the alkaline side, don’t worry- you can still grow them successfully by improving the planting area with ericaceous compost.
When planting:
- Dig a generous hole
- Mix in plenty of organic matter or ericaceous compost
- Make sure the soil drains well but doesn’t dry out
Getting this right at the start makes a huge difference to how well your magnolia establishes.
Planting your magnolia
If you’re planting this weekend, here’s a simple approach:
- Soak the root ball before planting
- Dig a hole slightly wider than the pot (not too deep)
- Position the plant so it sits at the same level as it was in the pot
- Backfill with enriched soil and firm gently
- Water well
Adding a mulch around the base (keeping it away from the trunk) will help retain moisture and keep roots cool.
Watering and early care
The first year is the most important.
Magnolias don’t like to dry out, so:
- Water regularly during dry spells
- Keep an eye on the soil, especially in warmer weather
Once established, they’re relatively low maintenance – but that early care is what sets them up for long-term success.
Feeding and ongoing care
A spring feed with a balanced or ericaceous fertiliser will support healthy growth and flowering.
Magnolias don’t usually need much pruning. In fact, it’s best to leave them to develop their natural shape, only removing dead or damaged branches when needed.
The tree that rewards patience!
Magnolias aren’t instant, quick-growing trees – but that’s part of their charm.
Given the right conditions, they’ll settle in and reward you year after year with one of the most beautiful displays of the season. There’s a real sense of anticipation as the buds form, followed by that moment when they open almost overnight.
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