Between March and April, a healthy star magnolia puts on a spectacular show with a massive flush of bright white blooms. Since it takes a ton of energy to produce all those flowers, it’s no surprise that these beauties crave nutrient-rich soil. If your magnolia isn’t blooming like it used to, it’s usually a sign that the soil is running low on fuel.
When should you fertilize your star magnolia?
Even though star magnolias are pretty low-maintenance when it comes to general care, good soil is the secret to helping them really thrive. To keep those nutrient levels where they need to be, you’ll want to fertilize during the growing season starting in early spring. Generally, a good feeding every eight to twelve weeks is plenty to keep them happy.
What kind of fertilizer works best?
In my experience, star magnolias do best with natural, organic options. You can give your plant a great boost using:
- Well-rotted manure (horse manure is a favorite)
- Mature compost
If you prefer store-bought options, go for a fertilizer specifically made for rhododendrons or azaleas. These are perfect because they help acidify the soil, and star magnolias absolutely love a slightly acidic environment.
How should you apply the fertilizer?
If you’re using a rhododendron or azalea fertilizer, just follow the instructions on the package. If you’re going the natural route with compost or manure, the best way is to gently rake it into the soil around the base of the plant. A word of caution: be super careful! Star magnolias are shallow-rooted, meaning their roots sit right near the surface. If you rake too aggressively, you could accidentally damage them.
The alternative: Mulching
If you want to skip the traditional fertilizing routine, mulching is a fantastic alternative. Not only does it slowly add nutrients back into the soil, but it also helps keep weeds at bay. Plus, mulch keeps the top layer of soil from drying out too fast—which is a huge lifesaver for a shallow-rooted plant like the star magnolia.
