FixtheCanal's Profile
- Jeff
- 1999
- 2004
- Brooklyn
- Carroll Gardens
- House
- md
- Male
- 43
Author's Posts
September 23, 2009
Southern Magnolia in Brooklyn?
What are the chances that a southern magnolia, Magnolia grandiflora, survives in our climate? What about in a container? Any thoughts would be greatly appreciated. I received a small specimen as a gift and would love to give it a try, but really only have space to try it in a container.
Author's Comments
In my research of this important topic (!), and with the info supplied in particular by VINCA, I found that there are a number of more hardy varieties (Ann, Betty) that are do well in our area. They don't grow as large as the original Southern Magnolia variety, which can grow 50-80 feet. The Southern Magnolia, which is pretty sensitive to cold, technically can tolerate zone 7, Brooklyn. If I had a nice spot in the garden, I would plant it there, since everyone seems to rave about the Southern Magnolia. So I am going to put in a container this fall, wrap it up, keep it out of the wind, and hope for the best.
Posted by: FixtheCanal at September 23, 2009 10:45 AM in response to Southern Magnolia in Brooklyn?
Thank you all. Is it the temperature fluctuations that we are trying to avoid or just the really cold nights?
Posted by: FixtheCanal at September 22, 2009 4:18 PM in response to Southern Magnolia in Brooklyn?
We have not had any trouble with slomin's sales, installation or maintanance over the past two years.
Posted by: FixtheCanal at September 22, 2009 11:24 AM in response to ADT or Other System?
three families always seem to be less highly valued. One reason is the the owner's apt might be on the small side. Even so, two apartments could knock $5000 off the monthly mortgage, letting less wealthy buyers into the market. I have a three family, and found it was the only way into the market. That was three years ago, so no bargain in terms of the purchase price. With rent increases in the two upstairs apartments, we are now able to live in our smallish first floor apartment for just about $1800/month. So it has absolutely paid off in terms of our monthly out of pocket.
Posted by: FixtheCanal at September 10, 2009 5:57 PM in response to House of the Day: 455 Henry Street
this house sold for about 800k in 2004.
Posted by: FixtheCanal at September 9, 2009 2:34 PM in response to House of the Day: 40 Joralemon Street
The Brooklyn Paper article says the reason WholeFoods backed is because of a "toxic plume" with an "epicenter" at 175 Third Street. Propertyshark does not have any environmental damages for that address or nearby. Does anyone have a link to info about this?
Posted by: FixtheCanal at July 9, 2009 6:50 PM in response to As Predicted, Whole Foods Bailing on Gowanus Site
To Brooklyn Greene: Awesome Post.
Posted by: FixtheCanal at May 22, 2009 11:27 AM in response to Is Ivy on Facade Okay?
We had a four story ailantus tree cut down 2 years ago for $1800. You should get a certificate insurance from the tree company for the job.
Posted by: FixtheCanal at May 21, 2009 12:18 PM in response to Dangerous Giant Tree Removal
Responses to Author's Forum Comments
I've used Slomins and would refer them!
Posted by: cg542resident at September 22, 2009 4:22 PM in response to ADT or Other System?
There are beautiful southern magnolias throughout Bed Stuy. Containers can be tricky. If the tree becomes pot bound and there's not enough soil, the roots may freeze in the winter and the tree may die.
Posted by: daveinbedstuy at September 22, 2009 4:29 PM in response to Southern Magnolia in Brooklyn?
For specific and detailed information about best success for container planting in this zone, try the BBG resource center.
From University of Washington Botanic Gardens:
“Here is what the book, Magnolias: A Gardener's Guide, by Jim Gardiner (Timber Press, 2000) says about growing Magnolias in containers:
“‘...considerable experience is needed to retain magnolias in a container for any length of time. The roots are particularly sensitive to being hot and dry during the summer months and frosted during the winter months... Evergreen magnolias and clones of Magnolia grandiflora, in particular M. grandiflora 'Gallissonniere,' can be grown in very large containers for indoor use in atria.’
“...if you take the matter of extreme heat and cold into consideration, you should be able to grow your magnolia in a container....(Some species) get very large, and for these a container might not be a good choice. Magnolias prefer good, free-draining acidic soil that does not dry out, according to Rosemary Bennett's book, Magnolias (Firefly Books, 2002). Since Azaleas also prefer acidic soil, the idea of using Azalea and Camellia potting mix makes sense.
“You may find the following information on growing trees in containers helpful:"...
http://www.pubs.ext.vt.edu/430/430-023/430-023.html
http://www.utextension.utk.edu/publications/spfiles/SP532.pdf
http://www.ubcbotanicalgarden.org/forums/showthread.php?t=17533
http://www.ubcbotanicalgarden.org/forums/showthread.php?t=21684&highlight=magnolia+container
Posted by: vinca at September 22, 2009 4:59 PM in response to Southern Magnolia in Brooklyn?
We have been growing a "Betty" Magnolia in our yard for the past 17 years or so. We've had no problem with it whatsoever and the tree blooms faithfully each spring, bursting forth with the most outrageous deep pink/purple flowers. At this point, it's probably reached it's max height of about 10' Several of our neighbors have other Magnolia species planted in their yards as well. So, from April to May, the blossom show of our various Magnolia trees is quite spectacular. I cannot imagine growing this tree in a container.
Posted by: Brooklynista at September 22, 2009 7:04 PM in response to Southern Magnolia in Brooklyn?
Do NOT get a deciduous flowering magnolia. Yes, when they bloom they are beautiful but that lasts only about a week or two. They drop a lot of stuff year round. First, they drop a covering for the flower that rots quickly into a slimy mess. Then, after the two weeks of flowering, the flowers drop and they are a real mess.
I know, I have one about 30' tall in Philly. It's especially annoying because it drops all of this stuff throughout the spring, summer and fall on a small yard patio and you are constantly cleaning it up.
Posted by: daveinbedstuy at September 23, 2009 8:49 AM in response to Southern Magnolia in Brooklyn?
Well, Dave is certainly right about the mess that flowering Magnolias make! After the stunning flower show which, yes, is awfully brief, it's weeks of cleanup thereafter. Definitely something to think about. Still, we love the tree and don't really regret having it.
Posted by: Brooklynista at September 23, 2009 10:05 AM in response to Southern Magnolia in Brooklyn?
In my research of this important topic (!), and with the info supplied in particular by VINCA, I found that there are a number of more hardy varieties (Ann, Betty) that are do well in our area. They don't grow as large as the original Southern Magnolia variety, which can grow 50-80 feet. The Southern Magnolia, which is pretty sensitive to cold, technically can tolerate zone 7, Brooklyn. If I had a nice spot in the garden, I would plant it there, since everyone seems to rave about the Southern Magnolia. So I am going to put in a container this fall, wrap it up, keep it out of the wind, and hope for the best.
Posted by: FixtheCanal at September 23, 2009 10:45 AM in response to Southern Magnolia in Brooklyn?
i'm no botanist by a long shot so i have no idea the variety or type but i have spotted a few lovely magnolia trees on the place streets in carroll gardens. they are really nice.
Posted by: CG_ups at September 23, 2009 11:04 AM in response to Southern Magnolia in Brooklyn?
Magnolia Grandiflora grow well in Brooklyn. They can take cold and snow but they need to be protected a little from wind and they need a lot of sun, both in winter and summer. I doubt they can be grown in containers anywhere. They are very large trees.
Posted by: Minard Lafever at September 23, 2009 1:15 PM in response to Southern Magnolia in Brooklyn?
Some of you are mixing up the Japanese Magnolia with the Grandiflora. The latter is evergreen and is grown more for its beautiful foliage and shape than for the flowers. The former is deciduous and flowers in the spring prior to leafing out, the flowers are very prominent. There is also the Magnolia Virginiana or Sweetbay. A much smaller tree with multiple stems. It may grow well in containers.
Posted by: Minard Lafever at September 23, 2009 1:19 PM in response to Southern Magnolia in Brooklyn?
Solidago, I will definitely check that poor scraggly tree out.
Posted by: FixtheCanal at September 23, 2009 2:00 PM in response to Southern Magnolia in Brooklyn?