Spectacular magnolias

It would be difficult to find a more spectacular flowering tree or shrub than the magnolia. Despite it’s beauty and the fragile appearance of its flowers, magnolia is easy to grow and maintain as long as it’s protected from cold wind and late frosts. The spring flowering varieties are one of the first plants to flower in the garden.

Magnolias can be deciduous or evergreen, the evergreen varieties are usually summer flowering, while the deciduous flower in spring. Their flowers can be tulip shaped, cup shaped or star shaped and come in a range of colours from white to pink, purple and yellow. Magnolias are available in a wide range of sizes, from compact shrubs to large trees, so there are varieties that will suit most gardens. One of the most striking species of magnolia is an evergreen variety called Magnolia grandiflora, I always think it is such a fitting name. It is a tall and elegant tree with glossy dark evergreen leaves and large creamy cup shaped flowers. It is however one of many species to the large magnolia family.

Q. I have a limey soil and was told this does not suit magnolias, is this true? I would love to grow a spring flowering variety.

A. Magnolia x loebneri, magnolia wilsonii, and magnolia stellata are three spring flowering varieties that will grow in moist alkaline soil. Mulch annually with manure and leaf mould in early spring. This will keep your soil moist.

Q. I have a large deciduous magnolia that needs to be cut back as it has grow too big for its bed, what is the best time to do so?

A. It is best not to prune magnolia other than cutting out dead or diseased branches, as many species ‘bleed’ afterwards and become diseased. My advice would be to trim lightly after flowering for a deciduous magnolia, and in mid spring for an evergreen variety. Do this every year, for three or four years and in this way you can reduce the size of your magnolia without risk of infection.

Q. I bought a Magnolia x soulangeana two years ago and planted it in ericaceous soil in a sheltered position but it has never flowered, can you tell me why?

A. Some species take time to settle before flowering, sometimes five to seven years before you see any flowers of significance. It could also be the site, is it getting enough sun, is your soil too dry? Keep an eye on it, if it is showing no signs of stress just leave it be and it will flower in its own time.

Q. I would love to grow a magnolia, is it possible to grow one in a pot on my patio?

A. Star magnolia or ‘magnolia stellata’ is ideal for growing in containers. Compact and slow growing it will flower in its first year. Find a sheltered spot on your patio and this will be ideal for you. If you have any gardening questions, you can contact Charlie by visiting www.thepavilion.ie, facebook.com/thepavilioncork, or via twitter @the_pavilion