Magnolias aren’t just famous for those show-stopping spring blooms; they also grow incredibly dense, lush foliage. Because of that, it’s no surprise that more and more gardeners are using them to create stunning privacy hedges. However, with about 200 different species out there, not every magnolia is cut out for hedge duty.
Choosing the Right Varieties
The key is all in the variety. Some magnolias stay as compact shrubs that barely hit six feet, while others can tower over your house at 60 feet tall! When you’re shopping for a hedge, you want a variety that likes to grow wide as well as tall. Most importantly, make sure you pick a hardy variety that can handle your local winter temperatures without a struggle.
Keep Pruning to a Minimum
Here’s the thing about magnolias: they aren’t like boxwoods. While some shrub-like varieties can reach heights of 12 feet and get quite wide, they don’t always take well to heavy pruning. If you try to force a large magnolia into a small space with shears, you often end up with an awkward shape, “water sprouts” (those ugly, vertical shoots), and fewer flowers the following year. Your best bet? Pick a variety that fits your chosen spot naturally so it has plenty of room to reach its full potential.
Planting Your Hedge
Location is everything. To get the best out of your magnolia hedge, you need to find the sweet spot. Depending on the variety, they’ll want anything from full sun to partial shade. One thing they all agree on, though, is that they hate being whipped by the wind—so find a sheltered area. You’ll also want to check your soil; magnolias love acidic dirt, ideally with a pH between 5.5 and 6.8.
Give Them Some Elbow Room
When planting your hedge, space your magnolias about three feet apart. It might look a little sparse at first, but don’t worry—they’ll spread out over the years to create a solid, leafy screen. Since magnolias are shallow-rooted, they really need that extra space around the base to develop a healthy root system without competing for nutrients.
To recap, if you want a successful magnolia hedge, keep these tips in mind:
- Stick with smaller, shrub-like varieties.
- Choose a sunny, wind-protected spot.
- Make sure your soil is on the acidic side.
- Give each plant enough room to breathe and grow.
