Content
- Magnolias have flat-rooted roots
- Shallowleaf magnolia
- Protect magnolia roots in winter
- Transplant magnolia - in root cutting also cut above ground
- Tips & Tricks
Magnolias have flat-rooted roots
A magnolia tree usually blooms beautifully and lush only when its roots are healthy. Read what you should consider when planting and maintaining the magnolia roots.
Shallowleaf magnolia
The magnolia belongs to the Flachwurzlern. The plant spreads its roots plate-shaped and flat below the surface, which, typical of Flachwurzler, no deep-reaching taproot is formed. Just below the earth's surface, however, does not mean that the magnolia roots reach only a few centimeters deep. Depending on the nature of the soil and its age, the magnolia can reach a depth of up to one and a half meters, some specimens even deeper. Furthermore, magnolias do not form a root ball, instead it falls apart quite quickly, for example during excavation.
Protect magnolia roots in winter
Due to the fact that the magnolia is rooting just below the surface of the earth, the roots are at high risk of frost in the cold season - even on varieties that are actually hardy. Magnolias are not hardy on the whole, but only some plant parts, while others must be protected from the cold. Magnolia roots get a thick protective layer of bark mulch, leaves and brushwood in autumn. Good winter protection is immensely important, especially for pot-held magnolias, for the same reason.
Transplant magnolia - in root cutting also cut above ground
Sometimes it may be necessary to replant an older, already well-established magnolia. Be it because the current location has become too small or because a different location has to be found due to a redesign of the garden. In principle, older magnolias can also be transplanted, whereby you can dig up the roots over a large area. Try to hurt them as little as possible. Sometimes, however, a root incision is necessary, perhaps because some roots were torn or torn off. In such a case, you prune the tree above the ground, because the remaining roots can no longer afford the now required additional effort with regard to the supply of magnolia. If you are unlucky, the tree then dries up.
Tips & Tricks
Magnolia roots need a fairly heavy, humus-rich soil, but still loose enough to be easily rooted. On too loose (eg sandy) soil, however, the plant finds insufficient support, which can cause problems especially in strong wind or storm.