Generally speaking, the star magnolia is a hardy, low-maintenance gem that doesn’t demand much of your time. That said, the happier your plant feels in your garden, the more spectacular that spring bloom will be! To get those show-stopping flowers, there are a few key things to keep in mind.
Keep Her Hydrated
Along with good soil nutrients, your star magnolia needs a steady supply of water. This is especially crucial during the first two years while the root system is still getting established. Since star magnolias are shallow-rooted, those roots sit right near the surface and are usually the first to suffer when the soil dries out. To keep things consistent, I recommend regular watering and a nice layer of mulch to help lock in that moisture.
Feeding Your Magnolia
If your planting spot already has rich, slightly acidic soil, you might not even need to worry about fertilizing. However, if you notice the blooms aren’t quite as lush as they were last year, your soil might be running low on fuel. In that case, you can perk things up with:
- Manure (horse manure is a personal favorite)
- Well-aged compost
- Rhododendron or azalea fertilizer
Put Down the Pruning Shears
When it comes to pruning, less is definitely more. In fact, regular trimming is usually counterproductive because star magnolias don’t always sprout new growth where you’ve made a cut. A heavy-handed pruning job can quickly ruin the plant’s natural shape. Unless you’re dealing with disease or a stray branch that absolutely has to go, try to leave it alone. If you must prune, be very conservative and always wait until the flowering season is completely over before you start clipping.
To keep your star magnolia happy, just remember these basics:
- Water regularly (and don’t forget the mulch!)
- Fertilize only if needed
- Avoid pruning whenever possible
