Not every magnolia lover has their own garden; plus one big enough for one of the tall magnolia species. Instead, small magnolias can also be kept as a container plant, but they then require intensive care.

In principle, bucket maintenance is possible

Furthermore, not every type of magnolia is suitable for planting out in the garden due to the prevailing climatic conditions in Germany, they would simply freeze to death in winter. However, when choosing the varieties to consider, be sure to choose a short magnolia, as most can reach impressive heights of four to five meters and more. Growth heights of around three meters are also specified for many hybrids, but this can be doubted. No values can be given for numerous new breeds, simply because there are no mature trees yet. Keep in mind that even a small magnolia needs a lot of space in a pot due to its wide, bushy growth.

Suitable magnolia varieties for the tub

variety of magnolia Latin name growth height flower color
star magnolia Magnolia stellata about 1.5 to 3 meters white, early flowering
Purple Magnolia Magnolia liliiflora up to 3 meters mostly purple / red-violet

What speaks against a bucket posture?

Some pot magnolias thrive in the first few years, only to slowly and gradually degrade afterwards. This is due to the fleshy, thick and highly branched roots, which get too narrow and too warm in the pot. Magnolias like to have cool "feet", which, however, cannot be realized in pots, especially in summer. In addition, soil compaction is too high and the water supply is too irregular - magnolias need a stable, balanced location to thrive. Of course, there is no such thing in a pot. On the other hand, it can make sense to keep a laboriously cultivated young magnolia as a container plant for the first one to two years in order to be able to better protect it from cold winters.

Cultivate magnolia in a bucket

In contrast to planted magnolias, pot magnolias require a lot of care. A regular water supply must be ensured because the plant should not dry out. However, it does not tolerate waterlogging very well either. It is therefore important to ensure adequate drainage in the pot. Furthermore, potted magnolias must be fertilized every two weeks with a good liquid fertilizer. About once a year, depending on growth every two years, the magnolia needs a larger pot with fresh substrate. Magnolias are unsuitable for keeping as a houseplant.

tips and tricks

Potted magnolias overwinter best in cold house conditions, i. H. in a frost-free, sheltered place with a maximum temperature of 10 °C. If this is not possible, the pot should be packed well, as the soil in the pot freezes quickly and the roots have to be protected.

Category:

Trees