Autumn Magnolia Care Preparing for a Beautiful Spring Bloom
Magnolias are known for their spectacular springtime flowers, but what many gardeners may not realise is that the journey to those breath taking blooms begins long before the warm weather returns. As autumn arrives, magnolias are already starting the critical process of preparing and creating the spring flowers for their spring display. This makes autumn care essential to ensure your magnolia thrives and blooms to its fullest potential.
Why Autumn Care Matters
Many spring-flowering plants, including magnolias, begin their run-up to flowering in late autumn. By this time, the plant is creating thick-walled flower buds that rest at the tips of the branches, waiting patiently to open when the time is right. These buds, though small and unassuming now, are the promise of the stunning flowers to come.
To ensure those buds develop healthily and bloom beautifully, it’s important to give your magnolia a helping hand during this key stage. Proper feeding and care in autumn can make all the difference to the quality and quantity of blooms you’ll see next spring.
Feeding Your Magnolia
Magnolias benefit from a high-potash feed in autumn. Potash is essential for flower formation, so using a feed designed to boost flowering, such as liquid tomato feed, will encourage the development of strong, healthy flower buds. Apply the feed according to the product instructions, ensuring the roots have enough nutrients to support the buds through the winter months.
In addition to potash, it’s important to keep an eye on the overall health of your magnolia’s leaves. If you notice the leaves are turning a light yellow before the autumn fall in deciduous magnolias, this could be a sign of magnesium deficiency. In this case, you can supplement your regular feeding with magnesium in the form of Epsom salts. A soluble feed of Epsom salts will provide the necessary magnesium, helping the plant maintain healthy foliage as it heads into winter.
How to Use Epsom Salts for Magnolias
Using Epsom salts is simple. Dissolve around one tablespoon of Epsom salts in a gallon of water and apply it to the base of the magnolia, making sure the roots can absorb the nutrients. This treatment can be done once or twice in autumn if you notice yellowing leaves before the autumn leaf fall, giving your plant the extra boost it needs to stay green and vigorous.
Additional Autumn Care Tips
Alongside feeding, it’s important to ensure your magnolia is well-prepared for the colder months:
- Mulch the base of the tree – A layer of organic mulch around the base of your magnolia will help to protect the roots from frost and retain moisture through the winter. Keep the mulch away from the trunk to avoid rotting, but spread it generously over the root zone.
- Prune with caution – Magnolias generally require very little pruning, but if necessary, do so in late summer or early autumn. Avoid heavy pruning in autumn, as this can stimulate new growth that may not harden off before winter, leaving it vulnerable to frost damage.
- Water well before winter – Ensure your magnolia is well-watered before the ground in the autumn if the weather is dry.
The Payoff: A Glorious Spring Display
With a little care and attention in autumn, your magnolia will be ready to reward you with a stunning spring display. By feeding with high-potash and magnesium-rich supplements when needed, you’ll be setting your tree up for success, ensuring those thick-walled buds develop into the beautiful blooms magnolias are known for.
Autumn magnolia care may seem like a small step, but the rewards next spring will be well worth the effort!
