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.
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.
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.
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
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.
Thank you all. Is it the temperature fluctuations that we are trying to avoid or just the really cold nights?
One of the most gorgeous magnolia tree’s is on the corner of Lafayette and Marcy right here in Bed-Stuy…I think it may even be one of few national landmarked tree’s. You could talk to this group more about tree’s – http://newarkwww.rutgers.edu/~gelobter/cucrej/html/magtree.html
For the most part, what FLH and Arkady said. For the BBG Resource Center, see: http://www.bbg.org/lib/grc.html
What’s not ditto: Bonsai is neither genus nor species, it’s a technique for training trees, and more importantly, a horticultural art form. For some people, it’s even a spiritual practice. There’s an Indoor Bonsai class upcoming at BBG on October 11: http://www.bbg.org/edu/adult/
Ditto what FLO said. Phone BBG. I leave 3 bonsai in the garden over the winter & they’ve been fine but the roots are very protected.
well, magnolias do great in NYC (see the Brooklyn Botanic Garden in May), but in a container you’d definitely be at risk of freeze damage for the roots, unless it’s a really huge container. I’d ask the question on the gardenweb forums, you’ll get good answers there. Or call the BBG’s help line and ask one of the librarians. THey’re usually very helpful with stuff like that. You might want to heavily mulch or otherwise insulate the container for the winter. Get a ton of bubble wrap and go to town around the container, with heavy mulch on top of the soil. THe upper part of the magnolia will be fine, it’s the roots you have to protect. But don’t bring it inside, or it won’t go dormant and bloom next spring. And if you can find a spot for it in the ground, it’ll be much happier there.
Best of luck FixtheCanal. I have tried growing Bonsai trees, but it hasn’t ever worked out all that well. Difficult climate. I reckon the southern magnolia would be ok though. GL!