Written by: Ashley Edwards
Magnolias are from an ancient line of plants that can be found in the fossil record. They were among the first plants to evolve flowers, before bees had evolved, relying on beetles for pollination. They make excellent trees for smaller gardens, many species can be grown in containers where they grow slowly to form medium size shrubs.
Early spring colour with magnolias
Spring is the time for magnolias to shine. The furry buds open on bare branches, before leaves emerge, and come in a range of colours from white to claret. The flowers vary in shape and size. M. stellata, as the name suggests, has star-shaped flowers that flutter delicately in the wind, whilst M. x soulangeana has goblet-shaped blooms that open up in warm weather. Magnolias give you a burst of colour when not much else is in flower, and once they’ve finished flowering, they have attractive leaves and usually form neat canopies or multi-stemmed shrubs.
Choosing the right spot
Magnolias like a sunny site, but can also be grown in dappled shade. A sheltered position is ideal (we have them growing against a south-facing wall at Dorney Court) as the flowers open early in the season, they can be susceptible to damage by late frosts, causing blooms to brown or drop. Wind can also strip trees of their petals and cause branches laden with flowers to snap. Avoid frost pockets and exposed sites.
Magnolias like well-drained soils, on the slightly acidic to neutral pH side, and will benefit from organic matter being added each year as a mulch. Avoid chalky soils or areas that become waterlogged over winter. If you choose to plant a magnolia in a pot, refresh the top layer of soil each year and consider adding a few centimetres of composted bark or leaf mould. Feeding your container plant with an organic liquid fertiliser will also encourage healthy leaves and buds.
Given the right conditions, magnolias will reward you with bright blossoms at a time when the rest of the garden is only just starting to wake up.
