The tree pit below the magnolia can sometimes appear quite bare, especially when it is not in bloom. If you also don't want to constantly weed weeds, a ground-covering underplanting is a good idea. But be careful: the magnolia is a solitaire and does not tolerate any competition.
Set no competition
The roots of older magnolias, in particular, grow broadly and densely just below the surface of the earth. The flat-rooted magnolia is also very sensitive to soil that is too dry and/or too nutrient-poor. For this reason, you must not place any plants under your magnolia that develop deep roots and / or not only compete with your tree for space, but also for water and nutrients. You should also keep in mind that it is usually very shady under a magnolia, and there is a thick carpet of dropped leaves in autumn or faded flowers in spring. Underplanting makes sense if it keeps the soil constantly moist and cool - that's what magnolias like.
Suitable plant species for underplanting
For the underplanting of magnolias you should not choose trees, but spring bloomers, summer flowers and low perennials that do not have deep roots and do not draw too much water. The plants must also be able to thrive well in the shade. Lawn can also be underplanted, but a large area around the trunk should be left free and mulched if necessary. The list below shows some suitable species for underplanting the magnolia.
- March cup (Leucojum)
- Grape Hyacinths (Muscari)
- Squill (Scilla)
- Winterling (Eranthis)
- Balkan cranesbill (Geranium macrorrhizum)
- Brown cranesbill (Geranium phaeum)
- Lily of the valley (Convallaria majalis)
- Lesser periwinkle (Vinca minor)
- Spotted deadnettle (Lamium maculatum)
- Foam Blossom (Tiarella)
- wild garlic (Allium ursinum)
- Snowdrop (Galanthus)
- Crocus (Crocus)
- Ivy (Hedera helix)
Magnolia is best just mulched
Basically, in the case of the magnolia, underplanting is only the second best choice, since the plants will always compete with your tree and it can take it very badly. You should also avoid digging or hacking in the root area of the magnolia. Instead, you can simply cover the tree pit generously with bark mulch, which will not let through weeds, nor allow the soil to dry out or overheat.
tips and tricks
If you want to venture into an underplanting, pour a layer of compost or potting soil about 20 centimeters thick, leaving about 30 centimeters free around the trunk. Place the desired planting on top of this layer.