Magnolia ‘Red Lucky’

Choose a sunny or semi shaded position that is protected from cold winds and hard spring frosts. Magnolias prefer a moist, well drained acid to neutral soil that is high in organic matter. If you don’t have acid soil, incorporate plenty of ericaceous compost into your border prior to planting. Plant Magnolias at the same depth as they were previously planted. Backfill the planting hole and water well to settle the soil. Alternatively plant Magnolia standards in patio containers in soil based compost such as John Innes No. 3.

These plants are lifted from the nursery field when dormant, and sent to you in late autumn or spring for planting. They often look dead on arrival, but they are just resting in the dormant period and will establish quickly for a strong start in the garden come spring. Set out in prepared soil in holes wide enough and deep enough to lay out the roots. Tread down the planting soil to knock out air pockets. Water well to settle. Apply a mulch to protect roots from cold temperatures. If conditions prevent immediate planting, set roughly into loose soil or a pot of compost (‘heeling in’) to protect the roots.
Set these at the same level as they were in the nursery field – you should see a soil line at the base of the stem. Stake trees, taller shrubs and roses to prevent root disturbance.

Feed and water regularly throughout the growing season until young Magnolia plants are fully established. In spring, apply a mulch of well rotted manure or compost to the base of the plant. Magnolia standards require little pruning other than to maintain their shape and remove damaged stems.