Magnolia × soulangeana

Cool, rainy weather tends to cause fungal leaf spots and cankers on magnolia plants. Temperature between 15-23°c. If possible, avoid splashing soil from the ground onto the plants, and give them good air circulation. They can handle a wide range of humidity between 50-60%.

Magnolias are not heavy feeders, but they benefit from mixing fertilizer into the soil when planting, then lightly feeding them each spring with a balanced slow-release fertilizer. For annual spring feeding, do not mix the fertilizer into the soil, but rather spread it over the surface around the plant, then water it in.

Saucer magnolia trees often produce multiple stems. To shape it into a tree form, prune away all but one central trunk. Or you can prune to just a few central trunks, with the understanding that the tree will likely need additional support such as cabling or propping. Such drastic pruning should be done while the tree is still young. You may also shape the crown in later years by pruning lightly after the flowering period. Remove any dead or diseased branches as you see them, preferably in dry weather when fungi are less likely to infect pruning wounds.

Magnolia trees are not considered toxic to dogs, cats or horses.