Hello, Usually what you will find is that if the central leader is damaged or removed, then the plant will have a bushier shape, but it should survive. If however you want to try to train one of the side branches into a leader, then you can simply stake it into an upright position and in time it will do the job nicely.

Helen

Hello, There is not one Magnolia that would be better suited than the others for the conditions you describe, which I'm afraid do not sound ideal. The problem with sandy soils (as far as Magnolias are concerned) is that they tend to be low in nutrients and they also dry out very quickly. Therefore, if you do decide to go ahead, before you plant you could dig in loads of composted organic matter, ideally something with an acidic pH. Alternatively you could use ericaceous compost instead. I would also make sure that the plant is mulched regularly, as this will help the soil retain moisture as well as enrich it. Try also to plant it in a sheltered spot where it wont be exposed to drying winds.

Helen

Hello, Magnolias often make really beautiful potted specimens, but it is important that they are potted up into something really big and they are kept well fed and watered. The best ones will be those that don't get too big, so the following would be ideal. M. Susan http://www.crocus.co.uk/plants/_/shrubs/specimen-shrubs/classid.2000012896/ M. Satisfaction http://www.crocus.co.uk/plants/_/shrubs/classid.2000018177/ M. stellata http://www.crocus.co.uk/plants/_/shrubs/specimen-shrubs/classid.2000012898/ M. liliiflora Nigra http://www.crocus.co.uk/plants/_/shrubs/classid.4135/ I hope this helps,

Helen

Hello Margaret, The Magnolias we sell are fully hardy in most areas of the UK, however the best indication of what will grow in your area is to see what is already there. Alternatively if you really get blasted by wind or freezing temperatures and you want plants that usually won't tolerate these conditions, then perhaps you need to create a shelterbelt, which will produce a microclimate. I'm sorry not to be more help. Helen Plant Doctor

Crocus Helpdesk

Hello Laura, These are fully hardy so, although the optimum time for planting is spring or autumn, they can be planted out at any time of the year as long as the ground is not frozen. Therefore I would recommend you get it into the ground as soon as you can. I hope this helps. Helen Plant Doctor

Crocus Helpdesk

Hello Helen Thank you for your help - I will do as you suggest. Laura

Laura Steed

Hello Margaret, it is rare to find larger sized Ceanothus as they are usually quite short-lived and don't normally live longer than 6 - 8 years. We do have a selection of larger shrubs on our site like Hamamelis, Hydrangeas, Magnolias, Acer, Cornus, Cotinus, Philadelphus, Syringa and Viburnum, so you may find something of interest. They will be listed in this section. http://www.crocus.co.uk/plants/ I hope this helps. Helen Plant Doctor

Crocus Helpdesk

Hello There, It can be risky, but many Magnolias will slowly recover from being cut back hard, although it will take a few years to regain its composure. If you have a spring flowering type, then the best time to tackle this is in mid summer after the flowers have faded. It is important that you do not prune them from late winter to summer as they are prone to 'bleeding'. I hope this helps. Helen Plant Doctor

Crocus Helpdesk

Hello Samantha, I love all the Magnolias, but the ones with the cup-shaped flowers are my favourite. Magnolia Susan is relatively compact and has lovely dark coloured flowers - just click on the following link to go straight to it. http://www.crocus.co.uk/plants/_/shrubs/magnolia-susan/classid.4143/ If your soil is not strongly acidic or alkaline (you can check this with a simple test kit which we sell) then I would check the information on our site and pick one of the Magnolias that you like the look of best. I hope this helps. Helen Plant Doctor

Crocus Helpdesk

Hello Albert, These plants really don't require any pruning, apart from removing wayward or crossing branches in late winter or early spring. I hope this helps. Helen Plant Doctor

Crocus Helpdesk

It will really depend on the variety as some are naturally more vigorous than others, but as a very general rule, the 3 litre Magnolias are approximately 25 - 30cm in height, while the 5 litre Magnolias will be roughly 50 - 80cm tall.

Crocus