Magnolia in February: monthly care

Water your magnolia regularly during its first two or three years, especially in dry spells between April and September. Once established, magnolias have moderate water needs but appreciate consistent moisture during prolonged dry periods. Water deeply rather than little and often, soaking the root zone thoroughly every week or two in summer if rainfall is scarce. Reduce watering in autumn and winter when the tree is dormant. Feed in April and May with a balanced slow-release fertiliser or a specialist ericaceous feed if your soil is neutral to slightly alkaline. Scatter the fertiliser evenly over the root zone—roughly in line with the canopy's outer edge—and water in well. Avoid high-nitrogen feeds, which promote soft growth at the expense of flowers. A spring mulch of well-rotted compost or leaf mould also provides gentle, ongoing nutrition. Refresh the mulch layer each spring, maintaining a depth of 7–10 cm around the base to conserve moisture, suppress weeds, and insulate roots. Keep mulch a few centimetres clear of the trunk to prevent rot. Magnolia × soulangeana is fully hardy across zones 5a–9b and needs no winter protection once established. Young trees may benefit from fleece over the crown during severe frosts in their first spring to protect emerging buds. Common problems include scale insects, which appear as small brown lumps on stems and can be treated with horticultural soap or a soft brush in early summer. Honey fungus is a serious but rare issue; affected trees show dieback and white fungal growth under the bark. Coral spot can enter through pruning wounds, so always prune cleanly and in dry conditions. Magnolias are generally pest- and disease-resistant if grown in suitable conditions.