There are about 230 different varieties of magnolia worldwide, adapted to different climate zones. About 100 of these magnolias are suitable for the Central European climate, but often still need protection from winter frosts when young.

Young magnolias need a lot of protection

The younger a magnolia tree is, the more sensitive it is to cold temperatures. Winter hardiness only occurs with age, when the tree has adapted to the prevailing climate and has also been able to develop sufficient resistance. For this reason, you should play it safe and provide younger magnolias with winter protection. It is particularly important to protect the flat roots, which are just below the surface of the earth, from frost.

  • Apply a thick layer of bark mulch to the entire root area.
  • This is followed by another thick layer of foliage (e.g. from the deciduous magnolia itself)
  • Brushwood completes the root protection as the third layer.
  • In severe frosts, you can wrap the trunk with fleece, and cover the crown with a film.

From around the beginning to mid-March you can - provided the weather is spring-like - remove the winter protection, but you should not put it away yet.

Beware of late frosts

Instead, it is particularly important for the early-flowering varieties to regularly monitor the weather forecast and protect the magnolia from the onset of late frosts. These destroy the sensitive flower and turn the fragrant ball of flowers into brown mud. Early blooming pot magnolias should therefore be placed indoors overnight, while magnolias that have been planted out are protected with fleece or foil. Alternatively, you can of course opt for a late-blooming magnolia from the start.

Overwinter magnolias in pots

Tub magnolias overwinter best under cold house conditions, i. H. in a sheltered and frost-free place at a maximum of 10 °C. If this is not possible, you can leave the pot outside with appropriate protective measures.

  • Place the tub in a sheltered spot against a warm southern wall.
  • Place the bucket on a thick block of wood.
  • Wrap the jar with fleece or bubble wrap.
  • Cover the branches with a jute sack.(10.99€)
  • Protect the roots with a thick layer of mulch (€239.00) and brushwood.

Even in winter, make sure that the magnolia does not dry out. The plant must be additionally watered on frost-free days, but not fertilized.

tips and tricks

Incidentally, the particularly hardy magnolia varieties are among the earliest to bloom, but their flowers are just as sensitive to frost as all other magnolias.

Category:

Trees