Q. I’m probably going to be at the mercy of the stock at
the local nursery this weekend. I really liked the 24 gallon Magnolia tree they
had but do you think my space of 18′ x 14′ will be too small for a Magnolia?
the local nursery this weekend. I really liked the 24 gallon Magnolia tree they
had but do you think my space of 18′ x 14′ will be too small for a Magnolia?
 |
| Southern magnolia growing near Decatur and Red Rock in Las Vegas |
A. As long as you understand I am not endorsing the
planting of a magnolia but if that is what you want, then read the following.
Magnolias can get huge and so if you want to enjoy it for a few years and yank
it out when it no longer does well, then go for it. You might get ten or more
years before this happens.
planting of a magnolia but if that is what you want, then read the following.
Magnolias can get huge and so if you want to enjoy it for a few years and yank
it out when it no longer does well, then go for it. You might get ten or more
years before this happens.
Do not
put it close to a hot (south or west facing) wall. BUT you must plant in a hole
that is three or four feet wider than the container. Mix good compost (bagged
and good stuff will be expensive) half and half with the soil you take from the
hole and remove large rocks (baseball sized or larger).
put it close to a hot (south or west facing) wall. BUT you must plant in a hole
that is three or four feet wider than the container. Mix good compost (bagged
and good stuff will be expensive) half and half with the soil you take from the
hole and remove large rocks (baseball sized or larger).
Mix a
fertilizer like 16-16-16 with this backfill; about one handful for each ten
gallon bucket. Mix it all together and put this modified soil back into the
hole surrounding the rootball of the plant.
fertilizer like 16-16-16 with this backfill; about one handful for each ten
gallon bucket. Mix it all together and put this modified soil back into the
hole surrounding the rootball of the plant.
As you
are putting this soil back into the hole, add water from a hose so it makes it
the consistency of quicksand to get rid of air pockets and the slurry flows all
around the root ball.
are putting this soil back into the hole, add water from a hose so it makes it
the consistency of quicksand to get rid of air pockets and the slurry flows all
around the root ball.
+compressed.jpg) |
| Another Southern magnolia growing near Eastern and Harmon. Notice the dieback beginning in the top. Roots cannot provide enough water to the tops during mid summer and the low tolerance of this plant to temperature and humidity extremes. |
Plant at
the same level as it was in the container. Water it deeply, three times,
immediately after planting and when the soil has drained each time. It will be
watered after planting best with something that can deliver a lot of water
because this tree will require lots of water each time it is watered.
the same level as it was in the container. Water it deeply, three times,
immediately after planting and when the soil has drained each time. It will be
watered after planting best with something that can deliver a lot of water
because this tree will require lots of water each time it is watered.
The
amount of water should be equivalent to filling a basin around the tree with
three inches of water; if it is a 15 gallon plant then apply 15 gallons of
water. You don’t have to use a basin but this basin idea should give you an
idea of the amount needed.
amount of water should be equivalent to filling a basin around the tree with
three inches of water; if it is a 15 gallon plant then apply 15 gallons of
water. You don’t have to use a basin but this basin idea should give you an
idea of the amount needed.
If you
use drip emitters, then you should have initially at least three emitters for a
15 gallon tree. If it is a 24 inch boxed tree, then you should put at least at
four emitters. As the tree gets larger, you will need to add more emitters and
more water, perhaps one or two gallons more at each application per year of
growth. Big trees use more water than little trees.
use drip emitters, then you should have initially at least three emitters for a
15 gallon tree. If it is a 24 inch boxed tree, then you should put at least at
four emitters. As the tree gets larger, you will need to add more emitters and
more water, perhaps one or two gallons more at each application per year of
growth. Big trees use more water than little trees.
Lastly,
dig out an area around the tree that will allow you to put about four inches of
wood mulch in an area covering a circle, at least eight feet in diameter,
around the tree. The key with this tree is the right location, soil
modification at the time of planting, adequate irrigations and wood mulch under
the tree.
dig out an area around the tree that will allow you to put about four inches of
wood mulch in an area covering a circle, at least eight feet in diameter,
around the tree. The key with this tree is the right location, soil
modification at the time of planting, adequate irrigations and wood mulch under
the tree.
Great points and reality check on growing them in the desert…milder winter climates are not all the same, as I can attest in Abq.
Here, the "experts" imply to those wanting Southern Magnolia how Abq (hot summers, cool but mild winters, low humidity, 5000' solar intensity at 35 deg latitude) doesn't have enough heat (hmm) and is too cold in winter (wrong), by putting them next to S walls (calcium build-up in soil, reflected heat). Then they do what your 2nd pic shows! I hear ya' on "Jeeesh".
Again, right on…they are oasis plants, for enriched soils over a large area, lawn or heavy groundcover surroundings, away from reflected heat, and lots of regular and deep irrigation. Much easier and fulfilling as to beauty to use what actually needs less pampering…