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Japanese Magnolia
 The Magnolia Tree is a well-known plant for the South. Japanese Magnolias are a little different. Large saucer-like blooms arrive in late Winter or early Spring before the foliage appears. "Royal Star" Magnolia is a white blooming cultivar that reaches heights of 8' to 10' and 6' to 8' wide. Magnolia x soulangiana is a larger variety with pink tulip-like flowers with white insides. This magnolia can reach heights of 15' to 20' tall. All Japanese Magnolias do best in full to partial sun. Since flower buds are set in Winter, there is a danger of frost damage to the flower buds; but, here in South Georgia this usually is not the case. If there is a hard freeze in the forecast, protect the flower buds by covering the plant with a frost blanket or an old bed sheet. While this is easy to do with a smaller plant, this can be a problem for a large tree. Japanese Magnolias are a herald for Spring weather that is to come; and is a knockout in the landscape. Come by Seasons to ask our Staff about the different Japanese Magnolias we carry. |
One of the most important steps in designing and planting your landscape is locating the right plant for the right place. Location, location, location! Prior to planting a tree or shrub, determine whether the plant is suited to the place that you have decided upon. Ask yourself these questions; Does the area have sun or shade? Does it have dry or wet soil? Will the plant you choose be too tall, too short or too wide for the location? What will it look like during the Winter (lose its leaves or freeze to the ground)? Even the best of plans don't always work out and it might be necessary to transplant. Now is the best time to consider a move while the plant is dormant.
Transplanting a tree or shrub may seem like an easy task, but that is not always so. Many transplants die because of improper transplanting skills.
- First, it is a good idea to dig the new hole before you dig up the plant. The width of the new hole should be twice the size of the root ball, but not too deep so you can avoid puddling or settling.
- Don't start digging too close to the trunk, it is best to start at the drip line (area directly under the outer most leaves) and do a bit of exploratory digging around the plant. Get a feel for where the main roots are located.
- You want to get as much of the root ball as possible, but some root pruning may be necessary. Remember that it will be difficult to carry all the roots and soil from a large plant because of the weight.
- Dig down all the way around the plant until you are able to slip your shovel under the roots of the plant. Begin to dig under and loosen the plant from the hole. It may be necessary to get someone to lean the plant away from you so that you can get under the whole root mass.
- Once the plant is loose, don't try and pick it up. Place a tarp nearby and gently move the plant onto the tarp. Gently place or slip the plant into the new hole trying to keep the root ball intact.
- Most important is to determine that the top of the root ball is at the same or higher level than the soil around the new hole. It is better to be a little high than too low. "Plant it high and it won't die, plant it low and it won't grow".
- Start shoveling the excavated soil back into the hole and stand back to see it the plant is straight. Tamp the soil down firmly as you fill the hole to eliminate air pockets.
- Mound up the excess soil into a ring near the edge of the hole so that it forms a basin that will catch water when it rains or you water. This will insure that the water will not run off; and, keep the plant well-watered until it becomes established.
- Spread a layer of landscape mulch around the new transplant to keep the soil from drying out or freezing.
- Water the plant very well and don't let it totally dry out for the first year.
  
Watch for signs of stress, such as wilting leaves and take appropriate steps to correct the problem. You will need to be patient since there may not be signs of vigorous growth during the first year and perhaps longer on large trees and shrubs.
Tips for Success:
- Since you will be removing up to a third of the overall root system, it would be best to prune the top of the plant by a third. This will keep a balance between the leaves and roots.
- If you have to cut roots, use a sharp shovel or pruners and make a good, clean cut.
- If the plant is too heavy to lift, you can use the tarp to drag it to the new location.
- Mixing an organic soil conditioner like Mushroom Compost with the excavated soil will improve the long-term survival rate for the plant.
- You can combat shock and stress by spraying the leaves of the plant with a product like Cloud Cover (good for reducing stress from cold, dry winds, drought and heat).
The knowledgeable staff at Seasons Garden Shop will be glad to help you choose the right plant for your landscape, as well as give you the information needed to insure that you and your plant stays happy.
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