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.
Growing tips
Because magnolias hate being dry, it can be helpful to add some Yates Waterwise Water Storage Crystals into the planting medium before planting out.
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.
Mulch annually after flowering with a thick layer of organic material.
Evergreen magnolias can be trimmed back, but seasonal pruning should be avoided with most of the deciduous varieties unless absolutely necessary.
Apply some Yates Soil Wetter Concentrate in spring and summer; its soil wetting properties will ensure that moisture gets straight through to the roots which is important during the hotter weather.
These plants are a popular choice for formal gardens due to their strong form, flowers and leafy growth.
