Avoid These 5 Five Mistakes When Growing and Planting Magnolias

[@boo-urnsthesecond]

Good advice, all excellent points.. could hear you fine listening on my iPhone 😅

[@walkingtalkinggardeners]

Thank you Boo, I have pinned you to the top for your supportive comment.

[@KidNoah2012]

The perfect video on plant care: straight and to the point, the information about not mucking around with the root ball was pure gold and last but not least beautiful accompanying music.

[@walkingtalkinggardeners]

We really appreciate your positive comment KidNoah, check out our most recent videos for tresco abbey garden. The music in that is gorgeous. Simon

[@kristenlenox8809]

Just bought a Butterflies Magnolia. Thanks for the advice!

[@walkingtalkinggardeners]

Hi Kristen, you are very welcome. Thank you for your comment. Kind regards Simon

[@paulmcgaw6976]

Awesome video👍. I've planted around 8 magnolia trees now. The growth rate of Caviar species is so fast. Was one high in November 2021 now about as tall as me in April 2023. Can't wait to see them bloom soon!

[@walkingtalkinggardeners]

Thanks for the comment, I am a big fan of these early flowering species and cultivars. Simon

[@sadiyahmuhammad40]

Thanks for the advice. Just bought a Red Lucky magnolia. My first one

[@walkingtalkinggardeners]

Hi Sadiyah, and thanks for your comment. Red Lucky is a great choice. Good luck with that. Kind regards, Simon

[@altonlynch5464]

Mine is at least 60 years old, and around 60 or so feet tall and has a massive root system. It produces big white flowers.

[@walkingtalkinggardeners]

Wow, that must look incredible in full bloom. Simon

[@flyandshy00]

Is this magnolia acuminata?

[@walkingtalkinggardeners]

Nope, do you want to give me a time stamp on the video so I can see which one you are looking at? Simon 🙂

[@j.g.7054]

Thank you very much for your video! We just bought 4 Magnolias (waiting for delivery) and had no idea about the issue with the root balls. Now that we have watched your video we will be very careful!

[@walkingtalkinggardeners]

You are very welcome, and we are glad we were able to help. Good luck with your new specimens. Just check the mature sizes so they are not planted too close together. Kind regards Simon

[@chandracox6814]

The root ball should always be gently teased if it has twisted upon itself.

[@walkingtalkinggardeners]

Thanks for the advice Chandra. Simon

[@davidwright9424]

Thank you, such great tips!

[@walkingtalkinggardeners]

You are very welcome David, and thanks for your support. Simon

[@honeybadgerisme]

Thank you!

[@walkingtalkinggardeners]

You are very welcome. Simon

[@klecoxs2]

Great Video and tips , thanks for posting, the only problem with checking flowers b4 buying is that some magnolias take along time to flower such as Campbelli as discussed which is approximately 20yrs I regularly spend time in southern Italy and it’s perfect for Magnolias because in this area they don’t have to worry about frost so every year you’re guaranteed a great display in the uk it’s always a gamble just one frost and it’s all over til next year unless of course you live in coastal areas

[@walkingtalkinggardeners]

Thank you for your great comment and you are absolutely right, seed grown Magnolias can takes decades to flower which is why commercial nurseries graft cultivated varieties onto suitable rootstock bringing flowering forward to just a couple of years. This is why you can find many Magnolia tree forms in as small as a 10 litre pot in flower, in the spring in your local garden centre. Kind regards, Simon

[@elaineparness2900]

Thanks! Much appreciated.

[@walkingtalkinggardeners]

Thanks for you comment Elaine, you are very welcome. Simon

[@mingli8819]

Thanks for your video. I have purchased a magnolia tulip tree and I know it is a deciduous plant, but tree I received is just 1 thin stick with only 1 or 2 tiny weak twigs, is that normal? Thanks in advance for your kind advice.

[@walkingtalkinggardeners]

Hi Ming, unfortunately Magnolias are factory grown in huge quantities nowadays, simply because they are so popular. Back in the 20th century when I was first selling these they would have half a dozen sturdy stems and be 24-30 inches high. Today they are mass produced, small and weak. I assume that yours was mail order as a small size equates to cheaper postage but 1 to 2 stems is a bit sad. You are probably best investing in a larger plant from a reputable garden centre. It will cost more but at least you will have a decent flower display next year if not this year. Otherwise, it may be 3-4 years before you get a good show on the one you have. I hope this helps. Kind regards, Simon

[@mingli8819]

Thanks so much for your reply!!!! You are right ! I ordered it online as I couldn't find some in the garden centre near my area! I will take your advice. and much appreciated for your generous advice. Wish you all the very best！

[@elizabethbasta7903]

Hi!! Love your video! Do magnolias grow ok in partial shade? Thank you!!!

[@walkingtalkinggardeners]

Hi Elizabeth, most Magnolias will require full sun but can tolerate light shade of needed. Just check the overall height of your chosen Magnolia as it may just shoot through the shading canopy anyway. I hope this helps, Simon

[@elizabethbasta7903]

@@walkingtalkinggardeners yes, this helps so much, thank you!!!🙂 We had a tree trimmer go a little crazy trimming our ash trees and needed understory trees, now I know to not plant the magnolia there. Thank you soooo much!! 🙂

[@debradurling317]

Good day. Thank you for you're video I have a question i purchased a yellow magnolia 3 years ago it was one stick i was going to return it but i thaught it was cheap enough on line. First years one flower second year 2 flowers this year none it its brabching out slowly. Why do you think it hasn't flowerd this year ?. I have it in the same pot because i dont want to leave it if i have too move i gave it a feed this spring with ericaceous food im not sure how old it is im thinking 5 years or more . Thank you

[@walkingtalkinggardeners]

Hivzdebra and that's for your great question. There are a number of issues that could cause this but unfortunately this comment board isn't suitable to go into the depth needed. However it has given me an idea for a video. Watch this space! Simon

[@luludetudoumpouco]

Eu amo plantas❤

[@walkingtalkinggardeners]

Yes, I love these.🙂

[@saminadaglimahendiartist6117]

Sir this plant grow in India Gujarat?

[@walkingtalkinggardeners]

👍

[@malikkhalid6787]

Good 👍👍

[@walkingtalkinggardeners]

Thank you Malik. Simon

[@bobbidudley2362]

I was visiting a friend in Florida They have a beautiful huge magnolia tree in their backyard it dropped Cones, so I brought some home I was wondering because I read that if you have a hybrid it may not grow true to the tree that you got it from. I do not know if it was a hybrid is there a way to tell

[@walkingtalkinggardeners]

Hi Bobbi, Magnolias don't generally hybridize without help from breeders. An experienced plantsman may be able to tell if a Magnolia is a hybrid by seeing a characteristic that isn't recognised. However for everyone else it will have to be be DNA analysis. Kind regards Simon

[@saminadaglimahendiartist6117]

Sir this plant grow in in gujrat?

[@walkingtalkinggardeners]

I think that if you wanted to grow a Magnolia in India, then the best one to go for, in my opinion, would be Magnolia grandiflora. Kind regards Simon

[@woodlandsedge3456]

Is it worth topping up with ercusious composts on established trees

[@walkingtalkinggardeners]

Hi there, and thanks for the great question. You can, but I would prefer to use some kind of sterilised manure. It will be richer in nutrients as well as having an acidifying property as the nitrates and nitrates break down to form a mixed nitric acid. Kind regards Simon

[@woodlandsedge3456]

Thank you for your prompt reply

[@walkingtalkinggardeners]

That's no problem. You are very welcome.

[@mo_bra3340]

Hello. I have an issue I was hoping you could help me with... 🙏 We planted a genie magnolia in our yard last spring, and now -in winter- it is sitting in about 3+ inches of water, due to all the recent rain storms we've been having! :-( It appears that gophers have created tunnels ALL around it, and the excess water in the yard is bubbling up from all these tunnels into the planting site. I'm not sure if the gophers have also been eating any of the roots, but here is my question: Do you think it would be worth trying to dig the tree back up from the ground and plant it into a large pot filled with healthy soil for a year or two, to try and re-establish healthy roots? The tree is still only about 3ft. tall, up from the ground. -Thanks!

[@walkingtalkinggardeners]

Hello Mo, and thanks for your question. Firstly that's a great cultivar you've chosen. Secondly, you are right to question this. I would definitely lift this plant because if the root system is subjected to long-term waterlogging it is likely to be killed off. At least you have picked a good time of year to lift it. Try to keep the rootball as intact as possible and with a bit of good luck it will still bloom in the spring. Good luck and kind regards Simon

[@mo_bra3340]

@@walkingtalkinggardeners Thank you SO VERY MUCH for responding to my question! ☺ I did end up following my instincts, and we pulled it up yesterday. ..And THANK GOODNESS we did because, when we returned home from buying a new 25gal pot and ericaceous soil (etc), we found our "little Maggy" sitting in about a foot of muddy water! 😯 Luckily she pulled up pretty easy and I think we were still able to maintain a fairly in-tact root ball. 🤞FINGERS CROSSED!!! - Now we wait! 🙏😇🌈⛅🌱 My current plan is to allow our little tree to grow for a few years inside the pot and then transfer her back into the ground, once she is quite a bit taller... and after we've amended our yard a bit for better drainage... and dealt with the gopher situation! I enjoy your videos and tips! I also recently planted a "Black Tie" Camellia, after watching your video on camellias! Great stuff!!! 👍👍🌹 👏😁

[@paulajames6149]

I bought a sweetbay magnolia with 2 labels: 1 stating the size is 12 ft and the 2nd label stating the size is 30 ft. I have no idea which lanel is correct so I will be returning the plant.

[@walkingtalkinggardeners]

Hi Paula, when they talk about sizes it's generally over a 10 year period. However under favourable conditions a sweet bay Magnolia can eventually reach 30 metres tall, so returning your plant is probably your best course of action. Kind regards, Simon

[@eamonnszwec2228]

Thank you so much...

[@walkingtalkinggardeners]

Hi Eamonn, you are very welcome. Simon

[@luludetudoumpouco]

Muito linda essa flor😊😊😊

[@walkingtalkinggardeners]

Yes, I love these trees. Simon

[@chandracox6814]

Just planted two Bracken Brown Beauties although I did plant them too close together. My fault.

[@walkingtalkinggardeners]

Hi Chandra, that's a great cultivar. Moving them shouldn't be a problem if you've just planted them. Good luck. Simon

[@johnscrivens674]

Good video thanks, but the guitar music in the background is too loud and distracting.

[@walkingtalkinggardeners]

Sorry about, I know that this can be distracting depending on the device you are using. We have dropped the volume on all our current videos ti help reduce this. Kind regards Simon

[@kkeenan536]

Music is WAY TOO LOUD !!! 🫨

[@walkingtalkinggardeners]

Alright. There's no need to shout! Unfortunately, some of our earlier videos did have volume issues with the music, which we have resolved. However, the volume issue occurs depending on the device you are using. Try watching the video on a different device, and that should sort it for you. Kind regards, Simon

[@billbooks2891]

Yes

[@walkingtalkinggardeners]

Indeed.😊

[@MrRoundy1977]

I planted a Magnolia 'Susan' back in September last year I fear the worst as it looks like nothing has happened to it at all or am I just being impatient to see it flower...??? 😉👍

[@walkingtalkinggardeners]

Hello Mr. Round and thanks for your question. Mature Magnolia soulangeana are already coming into bloom however small specimens can struggle with a cold winter and may not be mature enough to bloom. If you bought it in flower and it hasn't bloomed then it may be in the wrong position or poor soil. Hopefully it has tight leaf bud on it to show its still alive. Kind regards Simon

[@MrRoundy1977]

@@walkingtalkinggardeners it wasn't in flower when bought but had leaves still on it. It looks like there's buds on it but not 100% sure if they are new or the old ones from last years we shall see in the coming months. It has been very wet through the winter in Worcestershire so fingers crossed not too much damage and the soil is clay 👍

[@walkingtalkinggardeners]

Clay soils are OK but tend to be cold and prone to water logging. I would suggest lifting it now while it is still cold and move it to a warmer, free draining position. If the whole garden is clay then consider creating a raised bed or very large pot as it sounds like your plant may be struggling where it is. Simon

[@MrRoundy1977]

@@walkingtalkinggardeners I'll give it some time to see if it takes when the weather gets a bit warmer

[@rosemaryfrew5571]

Thank you. I wonder why you would have music playing while you are talking. It’s very hard to hear you.

[@walkingtalkinggardeners]

Hi Rosemary, sorry about that. Try watching on a different device, the sound should be fine. Simon

[@jasonpillow950]

I have 16 forest born magnolias, I need help.anyone?

[@walkingtalkinggardeners]

Whereabouts are you Jason and what kind of help are you looking for? Simon

[@jasonpillow950]

@@walkingtalkinggardeners central Virginia, and guidance, so I dont kill them all

[@jasonpillow950]

@@walkingtalkinggardeners central Va, and general help keeping them alive

[@stephenhaitako4665]

I have given up trying to grow magnolias in my own alkaline soil (7.5). Acidic compost may help in the first few years, but at some point all plants have stopped growing. Being grafted onto M. Kobus also does not help. The only ones that grow well here are Grandiflora and Delavayi.

[@walkingtalkinggardeners]

Hi Stephen and thanks for sharing your experience on this. Have you tried using soil acidifiers around the drip line of the camellias canopy? That might help a little, check out my video on using diluted urine - it's a real thing! Simon

[@chandracox6814]

It's not difficult to amend your soil though. This is pure laziness.

[@本自清淨]

The music in the background is too loud, so loud that I cannot hear what you have to say!

[@walkingtalkinggardeners]

Thank you for bringing this to my attention. Simon 🙂

[@frankryan782]

I've never messed around with the root ball it's a myth that it helps the plant , just put it in the ground the plant will sort it out in its own time .

[@walkingtalkinggardeners]

Agreed! Simon

[@ladijaneevangelista-2176]

❤

[@walkingtalkinggardeners]

Thank you Ladijane.

[@khalidrashid5632]

Please provide transcript in English

[@walkingtalkinggardeners]

Hello Khaidrashid, all the videos have a transcript option below the description. Simon

[@robincasebeer217]

I can't understand what he is saying because of the music!! The video is NOT better with music!!

[@walkingtalkinggardeners]

Hi Robin, I am sorry to hear you are having an issue with the music. It sounds like you may have an issue with you device as I'm struggling to hear the music myself. I suggest watching the video on something else. Kind regards Simon

[@jasonpillow950]

Adjust your phones sound equalizer so the voice is over the music.

[@walkingtalkinggardeners]

@jasonpillow950 thanks Jason, that's great advice. Simon

[@ny10980]

Really bad audio...the music drowns out the voice!

[@walkingtalkinggardeners]

My apologies about that. Simon

[@ny10980]

@@walkingtalkinggardeners Much better...not that we even need the music while your talking.

[@Hady_septirah313]

beauty , I love it , you in ?? I want it

[@walkingtalkinggardeners]

Hi Hadi, thank you for your comment. These are fantastic plants. Simon

[@earthtrekker1]

Can hardly hear ya mate, good video tho

[@walkingtalkinggardeners]

Sorry about that, I was new to the editing when we made this. The recent videos have a much lower level for music. Simon

[@earthtrekker1]

@walkingtalkinggardeners just planted my first magnolia today, no mistakes so far 😁. Thanks for tips mate 👍

[@walkingtalkinggardeners]

No problem, you are very welcome.

[@str8jacket9perf95]

Companion planting, what’s the deal? What do you suspect of this. I picked a random video for this comment. Magnolias are magnificent though.

[@walkingtalkinggardeners]

Hi Str8jacket, companion planting is interesting. I is primarily used with some food crops to deter pests. Insects generally use colour and scent to find their host plants so by planting companion plants you can mask the smell of a host plants. This works well with planting onions and carrots to deter carrot fly, garlic and strawberries to deter aphids on strawberries, and marigolds and tomatoes for whitefly and thrips. It is not a perfect system and won't work for all plants. However it is more ammunition for the gardener and reduces the need for insecticides.

[@wobblydangly]

Small tip for the benefit of the hard of hearing. Don't overlay music when you are talking please.

[@walkingtalkinggardeners]

Hi Wobbly, you are absolutely right. We are aware of this and while we are not able to change the sound on a published video we have addressed this in all.out later videos. We hope you will check out some of those too. Kind regards Simon

[@ItMeJish]

WHY IS THE MUSIC SO QUIET??

[@walkingtalkinggardeners]

No need to shout!