Growing a Magnolia in a Container

Container growing magnolia trees have advantages, such as being able to move it around to get the full sun it needs or keeping it indoors in severe weather when young. Not all magnolia trees can be planted in containers, but the smaller ones (around 10 feet tall) will do well in containers.

Tips for Planting Magnolias:

• Not all magnolias will grow well in containers. The star magnolias, ann magnolias and southern magnolias (Little Gem cultivars) are recommended for container growth. The saucer magnolia is bigger, but can still be planted in a container if you have one big enough.
• Planting a tree in a container makes the tree more reliant on your for sustenance. Make sure you are prepared to water and fertilize your magnolia regularly if planting in a container. 

Step 1: Choosing the Right Container

The root system of a magnolia is quite intricate and fast-growing. A container that is too small will squelch your roots and kill your tree. A general guide for choosing a container is that for each inch of diameter of your tree at maturity you should have a foot for the width of height. For example if a tree is 4 inches in diameter at maturity, plant in a container that is four foot wide and four foot deep. Make sure there are plenty of holes at the bottom of your container so that the water will drain well.

Step 2: Planting your Magnolia

Place several inches of rocks at the bottom of your container to make sure it is heavy enough. This will also help the water to drain better. Fill with a compost soil that has been mixed with manure, peat moss, and/or sand. Leave several inches off room at the top for mulch. Dig a hole twice as wide as the rootball and plant the magnolia so that the top of the rootball is level with the surface of the soil. If planting from seed then cover seeds with ½ inches and allow to germinate for about 4 weeks.

Step 3: Staking and Mulching

Top with several inches of leaves, pine straws, and/or bark. Drive a wooden stake into the container next to the tree and secure the tree to the stake. 

Step 4: Place in a Sunny, Sheltered Spot

Place your magnolia tree in a place where it can receive full sun, about 8 hours a day. It should also be in a spot where it will be sheltered from the wind. The magnolia ann blooms later than other magnolias, and so will be more frost-resistant when placed outside. 

Step 5: Feeding and Watering

Water immediately after planting in container. Water weekly or whenever the top couple inches of the container soil are dry to the touch. Fertilize monthly with a liquid acid fertilizer (there are some especially made for magnolias).

Be sure to make use of your container privileges and move your magnolia around so that it can be admired and enjoyed as much as possible!