Setup, Compatibility & Care
For optimal results, plant your magnolias in a well-drained, slightly acidic soil. If your garden has heavy clay, incorporate organic matter such as compost to improve drainage before planting. Water the trees regularly during their first two years, especially during dry spells in spring and summer. Pruning should be kept to a minimum; if necessary, trim only immediately after flowering to shape the tree without sacrificing the following year's buds. These trees are highly compatible with companion plants like hydrangeas or hostas, which thrive in the same partial-shade conditions once the magnolia canopy matures.