magnolia in a pot

Discussion in 'General Gardening Discussion' started by IDigPerfectSquareHoles, Jul 5, 2011.

  1. IDigPerfectSquareHoles

    IDigPerfectSquareHoles Gardener

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    I'm thinking of getting a magnolia but I don't think I can plant it out as my soil isn't acidic enough (pH 7 - 7.5 - ish). Also I don't want it growing too big so having it in a pot seems like a solution. The thing tho is, small/young magnolias don't quite make the same impact as bigger ones, so would it be feasible to have a pot-grown magnolia of about 2 - 2.5 meters tall? If so, what size pot would it need?

    OR, I could conceivably plant it in the garden, either in a buried container, or with a barrier round its root ball (both to help control soil acidity and to stop it growing over 2.5 metres). If I were to do that, what sort of a very cheap container could I use? Would something like a council recycling bin do? I have a couple spare ones sitting around (we got 2 sets of bins for whatever reason). Probably too small...:what: how about a kids' paddling pool? Would the plastic be sturdy enough?

    If I were to just put a barrier round the roots, how far would that need to be from the tree, how deep down and again, any suggestions on a very cheap material?

    The varieties I'm looking at are M. denudata white (that one grows to 8-12 m so will certainly need to be restricted), Jade Lamp (that's meant to be small) and Red Lucky. Or if anyone can suggest a variety with medium or dark-green leaves, rather than light green, and cup-shaped white or white-and-pink flowers, that would be much appreciated! :dbgrtmb:
     
  2. catztail

    catztail Crazy Cat Lady

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    Hi! I can't believe no one has responded to your post....... I have had a magnolia in a pot the last couple of years and it has done brilliantly! The variety is Susan which only grows to about 10' so is perfect for a pot. I have it in a pretty blue glazed pot but think I need to move it to a larger one (probably plastic) next spring. I am also looking at getting one called Genie which has the most GORGEOUS dark purple flowers! That would also go in a pot. It is a smaller growing variety as well. Here's a pic of my Susan. It's white on the inside and a nice pink on the outside and scented as well. I feed it ericaceous food and it's in acid compost and water it with rain water. Pretty easy to care for. Hope this helps you out!!
     

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  3. IDigPerfectSquareHoles

    IDigPerfectSquareHoles Gardener

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    Oh thanks for that,
    sorry I'm not mad on Susan as I prefer rounder/tulip-shaped flowers but some of the varieties I'm looking at are classed as dwarf so hopefully they should do as well in a pot as your Susan. You've deffo given me a hope as I would certainly prefer growing one in a pot ( with the added benefit of being able to move it into the garage when it's bare) than building root-restricting constructions in the soil!
     
  4. catztail

    catztail Crazy Cat Lady

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    I'm pot mad really and will try growing anything in them! I have 6 different trees in pots snd all seem happy enough. I think with proper care you can grow most stuff in pots. Good luck with yours and would love to see some pics!
     
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