A Magnolia flourishes in pervious sandy soil which is rich in humus. This is not a requirement; they can also survive quite well in poor soil. However, if a strong plant is the objective it would be advisable to treat the soil accordingly. Extremely solid soil can be enriched by adding peat or compost, or even coarse river sand.
A Magnolia prefers a protected position with little wind, as cold blasts in spring could easily damage the flowers. The evergreen varieties also have a strong dislike of cold wind. The Magnolia greatly enjoys a location in the sun or partial shade.
It can grow fairly big, whether as a tree or shrub. Trees and shrubs do very well in the open, so be sure to give them sufficient room. They can reach a height of 5 to 10 metres. When potted, these shrubs will do very well on patios. Avoid places where you could touch the Magnolia in passing, as the flowers are very delicate.
The Magnolias are, in principle, hardy plants. However, frost could damage the plants. In particular, the buds/flowers could severely suffer from a harsh, cold wind and frost. To protect the plant against frost, it is advisable to place the potted plants in a non-heated shed or greenhouse. In the case of plants in the open, it is recommended that the buds be protected by covering them with breatheable horticultural fleece.
When planting Magnolia trees, it would be advisable to use tree support stakes. The roots of young Magnolias are very soft and could easily be damaged if the tree is not placed firmly in the ground.
