How to Grow Magnolias

(Magnolia grandiflora)

Large evergreen tree that can grow up to 20 metres in height. Best grown in large areas as its ultimate size and form is similar to that of a Moreton Bay Fig tree. Not recommended for the small to medium gardens.

(Magnolia grandiflora ‘Little Gem’)

‘Little Gem’ Magnolia is an evergreen variety that can grow up to 4 metres tall. If pruned, it can be kept to 2 metres tall. It has white creamy flowers that appear in the spring and summer and lovely deep green leaves with bronze colouring on the underside.

(Magnolia grandiflora ‘Teddy Bear’)

Very popular tree for the home garden.  Leaves are similar to that of the ‘Little Gem’ Magnolia but it can grow to about 6 metres. Flowers appear in summer.

(Magnolia x soulangeana ‘Black Tulip’)

Small deciduous tree that can grow to 5 metres in height. This variety produces large deep purple tulip-like flowers in spring.

(Magnolia x soulangeana 'Felix')

Small deciduous tree that can grow to about 4 metres in height. It produces large fragrant flowers (around 30cm in width!) in a very hot-pink colour. A great feature tree for any garden.

(Magnolia denudata)

Small decidious tree that can grow to 5 metres tall. In Spring they produce a lovely large white flower that stands out on their bare branches.

(Michelia figo, syn. Magnolia figo)

Evergreen shrub that grows to around 3 metres tall. Leaves on this tree are small and light green, with small pinky-white flowers that have a scent reminiscent of bubble gum that appear from September to November. These plants can be kept trimmed back and hedged or shaped into balls.

Choose a spot that gets full sun to part shade.

Clear any grass or ground-covering plants from the planting area to about a metre across, then dig in plenty of Yates Dynamic Lifter Soil Improver & Plant Fertiliser, Yates Waterwise Water Storage Crystals and good quality compost into the soil.

Create a planting hole that’s about twice the width of the pot and approximately the same depth.

Carefully take the plant out of the pot with care (magnolias hate root disturbance) and sit it into the planting hole.

Position in hole and backfill with soil, gently firming down.  Form a raised or doughnut shaped ring of soil around the outer edge of the plant's root zone. This helps keep water where it's needed.  Always water in well after planting to settle the soil around the roots and keep the soil moist for several weeks while the new plant establishes.

Mulch with an organic mulch, such as bark chips, sugar cane or pea straw around the base of the plant, keeping it away from the trunk.

Water deeply, once or twice a week, depending on soil and weather conditions.

During the flowering period, feed every 1 to 2 weeks with Yates Thrive Natural Roses and Flowers Liquid Plant Food.  Feed in autumn and spring with Yates Dynamic Lifter Soil Improver & Plant Fertiliser to ensure strong root development.

Be sure to choose dwarf or small varieties

Choose a pot at least double the size of the root ball. Position in full sun to part shade and fill with quality potting mix, such as Yates Potting Mix with Dynamic Lifter and some Yates Waterwise Water Storage Crystals to assist with soil moisture retention.

Remove the shrub from the container, taking care not to disturb any of the roots.

Position in hole and backfill, gently firming down. Water in well.

Water deeply, twice to three times a week, depending on soil and weather conditions.

During the flowering period, feed every 1 to 2 weeks with Yates Thrive Natural Roses and Flowers Liquid Plant Food.  Feed in autumn and spring with Yates Dynamic Lifter Soil Improver & Plant Fertiliser to ensure strong root development.

During the growing season, feed with Yates Thrive Natural Roses & Flowers Organic Based Pelletised Plant Food.

Magnolias grow best in acidic soil between 5 and 6. Test your soil prior to planting, or if you notice the leaves are starting to yellow. Apply Yates Soil Acidifier Liquid Sulfur if the soil pH is too high.

For garden-grown Magnolias, water deeply until the plant is established (this generally takes a year), keeping the soil moist but not wet.

For pot-grown Magnolias, check soil moisture every day (especially during hot weather) and water when the soil starts to dry out.

Use about 10-20 L of water per one metre of tree growth.

Yes, Magnolias need well-drained soil. If you notice the area is always wet, and if you have clay soil, it might be best to find somewhere else to plant. Alternatively, you can bring in garden soil and create a raised garden bed, or plant in a gently sloping mound.

Magnolias need a premium and acidic potting mix. Look for a Camellia, Azalea and Gardenia potting mix that has the red Australian standard tick.

Summer heat and drought often cause most seasonal damage to magnolias and it’s not unusual for the leaves to develop brown edges in late summer. Good watering and mulching will reduce this problem. You can also assist them to retain moisture by applying Yates Droughtshield during very hot weather.

Keep plants watered during dry weather but don’t let too much water sit around their roots. If unsure, check the soil prior to watering.

Magnolias can be propagated by cuttings (use Yates Clonex Rooting Hormone Gel - Red for best results), or layering.

There's no unique technique when it comes to pruning Magnolias, it is as with most other ornamental trees.

Always prune with a sharp and clean pair of secateurs or loppers.

Prune just above a node (growth point).

Prune off anything that is dead, diseased or damaged.

Tip pruning, while the plant is young, will help to encourage bushy growth. To do this, simply cut the tip of a new stem and it will eventually grow several stems where there was once one.

Prune after flowering so that you don't miss out on the flowering season.

Ideally prune in spring or autumn when temperatures are mild, but warm enough for growth.

There are various reasons why Magnolia leaves yellow including lack of water, lack of nutrients, incorrect soil pH, sunburn, heat stress, pests and diseases.

If you find there are masses of leaves being stripped off, then it is likely to be a Possum.

If there are small holes in the leaves or the leaf edges, then it is a smaller pest, such as a Caterpillar, Grasshopper, Beetle, or Katydid.

There are a few pests, and diseases (such as Bacterial Leaf Spot) that might cause spots on Magnolia leaves. 

To control Bacterial Leaf Spot, spray with Yates Liquid Copper Fungicide.

Wind or plant stress (such as an excess or a lack of water or nutrients) can cause Magnolia flowers to fall off prematurely.

Plant in a protected position in acidic, fertile, moist and well-drained soil.

Only water when the soil has started to dry out slightly.

Avoid high nitrogen fertilisers, and use high potassium fertilisers such as Yates Thrive Natural Roses & Flowers Organic Based Pelletised Plant Food.

There are a few reasons why Mangolias won't flower including lack of sunlight, water, or nutrients, excess nitrogen, and incorrect soil pH.

If you are adequately feeding and watering the plant, the soil pH is correct, and the soil is not water-repellent, checked all over the plant for signs and symptoms of pests and diseases.

If the issue occurred after a period of heavy rain and now the plant is suddenly dying off, it is likely to be a Root Rot. To treat Root Rot diseases, you can apply Yates Anti-Rot Phosacid Fungicide as a protective spray, however, this product is best applied as a preventative prior to the onset of heavy and prolonged rain.