Magnolias are fascinating trees that only become more beautiful and interesting with age. They can live for hundreds of years and reach considerable heights.
Magnolias are actually large shrubs
From a botanical point of view, magnolias are not really trees, but large shrubs - which can easily grow between six and ten meters high, depending on the variety. The trees and shrubs often grow in width as they grow in height - they therefore need a lot of space in the garden. Small magnolias such as the usually white flowering star magnolia (Magnolia stellata) are suitable for small gardens, but they can still grow up to three meters high. However, a magnolia can also be raised as a standard, whereby you must consistently develop a vertically growing main shoot as a trunk and eliminate side shoots immediately. High trunks are also available in specialist shops, which are usually refined variants. However, these magnolias, also known as stem bushes, are not exactly cheap.
Planting conditions for tall stem magnolia
The same planting and care conditions apply to a standard magnolia as to naturally growing magnolias. Depending on the variety, you must also plan enough space for the high stem and choose the location accordingly. As a rule of thumb, the trees need about half as much space in width as they are in height. However, some magnolias have a habit of growing wider than tall. The soil should be rich in nutrients and humus and slightly acidic. Magnolias don't like either alkaline (i.e. sandy) or overly heavy, loamy soil. In both cases, the aim is either to find an alternative or to carry out soil improvement. The plants like a sunny and sheltered spot where they can soak up the sun for at least four hours a day.
tips and tricks
Magnolias are best displayed as solitaires, i. H. Do not plant any other shrubs in the immediate vicinity of the tree. Underplanting is also a problem, particularly species that draw water, such as lawns. This removes the moisture that the magnolia needs.