Sweetbay Magnolia

The Sweetbay magnolia (Magnolia virginiana) is a cold tolerant (as well as heat tolerant) flowering tree that is appreciated for not only it’s creamy array of white blooms but also its ability to provide lots of shade. Commonly planted in USDA growing zones 5-10, magnolias are planted primarily as showpiece or ornamental trees. Be sure wherever you plan to add this tree that there’s no restrictions on its growth as Sweetbay magnolias get to be anywhere between 35-50 feet tall and 20-25 feet wide at maturity. The Sweetbay is fairly drought tolerant and also not as prone to disease or pathogens.

Location: Choose a location away from cement sidewalks or driveways so that they are not disturbed by the rapid root growth of the magnolia. If possible, pick a spot on the northside of the yard with a safe distance from the house. This will enable the maximum exposure to the sun resulting in more blossoms.

Planting Instructions:
1) Choose a site that is rich in organic matter and drains well. If desired, you can add compost into the planting hole and mix with soil. A slightly acidic soil is best.
2) Carefully examine the root system, cutting off any roots that are growing in a circular pattern before planting.
3) The hole should be dug slightly larger than the root system of the plant, 2-3 times the width and just as deep as the root ball.
4) Position the tree in the ground and mix the soil with the compost.
5) Hold the tree straight as you begin to back fill the hole, tamping down as you go to prevent air pockets from forming and then water to settle the soil.
6) Apply some mulch after planting to moderate soil temperatures and moisture conditions. This will also assist with keeping competing growth at bay.

Watering: Water the magnolia frequently during the root system’s early development, then periodically as necessary. Water just beyond the branch line, to reach the full extent of the roots.

Fertilization: Magnolias are susceptible to salt damage from over fertilizing, limit fertilizer application to iron chelates only as a treatment for “chlorosis.” You can feed your tree if new growth is noticeably slow with a controlled-release fertilizer formula. Just be sure to follow the application instructions on the bottle for optimum effectiveness.

Pruning: Prune your magnolia at the first sign of any dead leaves, branches or flowers. Deciduous magnolia trees should be pruned right after bloom and trim evergreen magnolias right before spring. When pruning, remove the branch down to its base. Prune your tree to maintain the required shape as well as to keep the rapid growth of branches under control. Prune the lower branches as necessary as the tree grows.

Pests: The most common problem for magnolias is Chlorosis. Inspect the magnolia and be watchful for yellow leaves with green veins. Treat the condition by adding iron to the soil.

Tips:
*Be careful not to over fertilize your magnolia because the tree is susceptible to salt damage. If leaves begin to exhibit burned edges, discontinue fertilizing and drain the soil with good irrigation.
*Don’t crowd out your magnolia. They tend to look their best when they stand alone.
*Avoid digging around the roots of the magnolia which can damage your tree.