- Shallow-rooted magnolia
- Transplant magnolia - also cut above ground when cutting the roots
- tips and tricks
A magnolia tree usually only blooms beautifully and lushly when its roots are healthy. Read what you should consider when planting and caring for magnolia roots.
Shallow-rooted magnolia
The magnolia is a flat-rooted plant. The plant spreads its roots in a dish-shaped and shallow way below the surface, without developing a deep taproot, which is typical for flat-rooted plants. However, just below the surface of the earth does not mean that the magnolia roots reach only a few centimeters deep. Depending on the soil and age, the magnolia can grow to a depth of one to one and a half meters, some specimens even deeper. Furthermore, magnolias do not form a real root ball, instead it falls apart quite quickly, for example when digging up.
Protect magnolia roots in winter
Due to the fact that the magnolia has broad roots just below the surface of the earth, the roots are at great risk from frost in the cold season - even in varieties that are actually hardy. Magnolias are not hardy as a whole, only some parts of the plant are hardy, while others need to be protected from the cold. Magnolia roots get a thick protective layer of bark mulch, leaves and brushwood in the fall. For the same reason, good winter protection is immensely important, especially for potted magnolias.
Transplant magnolia - also cut above ground when cutting the roots
Sometimes it may be necessary to transplant an older, already well-established magnolia. Be it because the current location has become too small or because another place has to be found due to a redesign of the garden. In principle, older magnolias can also be transplanted, although it is best to dig up the roots over a large area. Try to hurt them as little as possible. Sometimes, however, a root cut is necessary, for example because some roots have been torn off or torn off. In such a case, also prune the tree above the ground, as the remaining roots can no longer fully afford the additional effort required to care for the magnolia. If you are unlucky, the tree will dry up afterwards.
tips and tricks
Magnolia roots need fairly heavy, humus-rich soil that is still loose enough for easy rooting. On the other hand, the plant finds insufficient support on soil that is too loose (e.g. sandy), which can cause problems, especially in strong winds or storms.