Potted magnolia plants are some of the most accessible, low-maintenance and wholly beautiful shrubs and small trees that a gardener can enjoy. There’s a wide range of different plants in the magnolia family, encompassing a range of different stunning aesthetics and fragrances. From the elegance of Magnolia Susan to the classic star shape of Magnolia stellata, there’s a lot to love from this collection of plants.
However, while magnolias can begin life as gorgeous plants for pots, they can often grow to a degree that pots can no longer contain them. Similarly, your approach to your garden display might change over time. Whatever the reason, there might be a time when you want to create a magnolia bed from your potted plants.
This blog will offer some tips on transferring potted magnolia plants from their containers to beds, so you can feel confident treating your garden more flexibly.
Timing is everything
Knowing when to plant magnolia trees into beds from pots is a massive part of the equation. As a rule, it’s better to transplant magnolias when they’re in their dormant period.
- Late autumn to early winter are great times, as leaves have fallen but the ground isn’t frozen yet – late September to November
- Early spring is also suitable as new buds have started to swell but not bloomed – late February to early April
Transplanting to magnolia bedding during the active growing season will disrupt the plant’s natural development.
Preparation
The benefit of keeping magnolias in pots is that you have more freedom to move them according to their environmental needs. Creating a bed display takes commitment, which should be supported by a suitable amount of preparation.
- Choose a spot with plenty of sunlight – full sun to light shade but some protection for hotter days and areas
- Ensure they have moist, well-drained soil of a slightly acidic or neutral pH
- Amend the soil with well-rotted compost if needed
- Select a spot with some shelter/set some sort of shelter up to better protect them once planted
- Do some research and consider the mature size of the potted magnolia once in a bed, accounting for plenty of space
These steps are essential to ensuring you accommodate a successful transfer.
Transferring a potted magnolia to a bed
Now you’ve done your prep, it’s time to take your magnolias and physically move them to a bed!
- Prepare a hole, twice as wide as the pot and the same depth in your final bed
- Water magnolia pots in plants thoroughly to keep the root ball intact and loose the soil a little bit
- Tip the pot sideways and gently slide/wiggle the magnolia out, being careful not to cause any damage (if it’s stubborn, use your fingers to tease them apart)
- Position the magnolia in the new hole, ensuring the top of the root ball is level with or slightly above the surrounding soil surface
- Gradually fill the hole with the amended soil, being gentle whilst firming it around the root ball and not being too aggressive in compacting
- Make sure you can see where the trunk widens at the base clearly above the soil line
- Water the newly planted magnolia thoroughly to settle the soil around the roots
Congratulations! You’ve successfully moved a potted magnolia to a new home in a bed. Once this is complete, your next steps are simply watering it regularly in the first growing season, keeping soil consistently moist whenever possible. It’s also good to mulch around the base of the plant to help retain moisture, suppress weeds and regulate temperature.
Any good magnolia story starts with the right supplier. Find a good plant dealer, get yourself a nice potted magnolia and start your relationship with the plant.
