Magnolia soulangiana, as the tulip magnolia is botanically correctly called, can grow quite tall and much wider. Therefore, it may be necessary to relocate a gnarled and difficult-to-prune tree after a few years. However, this measure needs to be well thought out, because the tulip magnolia sometimes reacts to replanting with flowering laziness.
The tulip magnolia can react to a transplant with a lack of flowers
Choose the right location
If the previous location - for whatever reason - has turned out to be unsuitable, the tulip magnolia should be transplanted. A place should be selected that meets the needs of the tree - so that the tulip magnolia grows quickly there and you don't mind moving too much. prefer magnolias
- a light but partially shaded location
- this should be rather warm and sheltered from the wind
- and a loose, permeable and slightly acidic soil.
A location in full sun is not recommended, because the frost-sensitive trees will sprout too early in such a location - with the result that late frost will destroy the flowers. You should also measure the space as generously as possible.
When is the best time to transplant magnolias?
The best time to transplant is in the fall, once the tulip magnolia has shed its foliage. However, this should be done early enough so that the tree still has some time to take root before the first frost. Late spring is also suitable for such a measure.
Transplanting tulip magnolia - Here's how to do it
The magnolia is a flat-rooted plant, the roots of which are not only just below the surface, but can also expand very widely. Dig up the tree using a digging fork, damaging as few roots as possible. Keep in mind that the above-ground parts should not be trimmed either. The planting hole is at best twice the size of the root ball, and you should have prepared and loosened the soil at the new location well. Improve the substrate with rhododendron or bog soil. Also very important is the careful and plentiful watering of the freshly planted tree.
tips
Unfortunately, tulip magnolias sometimes react to the shock of transplanting by not flowering. In this case, the only thing that helps is patience until the tree has re-established itself - which can take several years.