Magnolia trees are stunning plants, no doubt about that. They bloom gorgeous flowers that release an attractive scent that makes spending time in your yard much more pleasant. But are Magnolia Trees fast growers?
Magnolias will make your garden more lively, especially during the growing season.
But, if you have the experience, you must know that waiting for a tree to grow from a seed or sapling might be a hassle. After all, we all want to enjoy our plants at their maximum splendor at the earliest possible.
So you might be wondering: “are magnolia trees fast growers?” and what can you do to make your yard ideal for their growth? Keep reading to find out!
Are Magnolia Trees Fast Growers?
Let’s go down to the grain of the question: magnolias will grow one foot or two feet per year under optimal conditions.
However, don’t forget that there are several varieties of magnolias, each with varying growth rates. But we can say that magnolia trees tend to grow fast, especially compared to other trees.
The fastest-growing variety of magnolia trees seems to be the Southern Magnolia: in the suitable USDA hardiness zone and with proper care, it can grow up to three feet per year.
These trees will grow up to 80 feet tall and might become slower as they get taller. Pruning and trimming are essential practices to keep this tree under control.
If you need help, consider engaging a professional service to help you keep your magnolia in a manageable shape. But if you are looking for a tree that grows fast, you should pick this variety.
Of course, recreating the ideal growing conditions for these plants in your garden is a factor that will contribute to their growth speed. Also, depending on the species you plant, you can expect your trees to grow at varying heights.
On average, magnolia trees can reach between 60 to 80 feet tall at maturity. Keep that in mind before planting one in your garden: you must be able to offer adequate room for these trees to grow.
But you can also find varieties that grow smaller, no more than 20 feet tall. Such a varied offer allows you to select the type that works best for your garden while suiting your needs (and taste).
Growing Magnolia Trees: Our Tips
To accelerate your magnolia tree’s growth rate, you should create the conditions for your magnolia tree to thrive. These trees do best in hardiness zones between 5 and 10.
However, make sure you check with the requirements of the variety you decide to plant to ensure your region isn’t too cold or too hot for your tree.
Most types of magnolias grow better in slightly acidic soil. You might have to make the necessary amendments for the conditions to become optimal for their development in your garden.
If your garden is more alkaline, consider adding peat moss. Also, don’t forget to mulch around your plant: it will help increase water retention and regulate the soil temperature to keep your plant free of thermal shock.
Magnolias aren’t heavy feeders, but you’ll still need to water your trees once a week to support their growth.
Don’t forget to reduce the watering frequency outside of your local growing season (which tends to happen between spring and early fall). Also, the amount of water you should give to your tree depends on the type of soil you plant it in.
For instance, clay soil might make your magnolias more susceptible to overwatering, which may cause severe damage to your plant. Loose substrates tend to require more care.
The best type of soil for growing magnolias is loamy and well-drained. Consider adding compost or manure to increase the nutrient content and improve drainage.
Will Fertilizing your Tree Speed Up Its Growth?
Fertilizing plants will boost their growth. The same happens with magnolia trees. Of course, choosing a suitable product will increase your chances of succeeding. For instance, we recommend you purchase a slow-release formula with a 16-4-8 ratio, which will extend the benefit of the nutrients to the maximum.
If you can, opt for granular solutions and apply the product around the trunk. Don’t forget to follow the instructions you find on the product: avoid adding too much product, as it will cause more harm than good.
Also, remember to water your plants thoroughly after applying fertilizer to increase absorption. You’ll get better results feeding your plants during the growing season.
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