Taking care of your plants

OVERVIEW

An elegant magnolia admired for its abundant, goblet-shaped pink and white flowers in spring, followed by attractive green foliage. Its rounded habit makes it a beautiful specimen tree, bringing spectacular seasonal colour to lawns, borders and medium-sized gardens.

 Key characteristics:

• Showy pink-and-white spring flowers
• Elegant rounded habit
• Spectacular flowering specimen

• Ideal for: Medium-sized gardens, lawns, borders and specimen planting
• Seasonal interest: Spring flowers; summer foliage; autumn leaf colour
• Flower colour: Pink and white; March–April
• Fruit colour and season: Occasional cone-like fruits with red seeds; autumn
• Foliage autumn colour: Large green leaves turning yellow-brown in autumn

PLANTING ADVICE

Water the tree thoroughly before planting. Carefully remove it from the pot and dig a hole around twice the width of the rootball, but no deeper. Set the tree so the top of the rootball is level with the surrounding soil, backfill with the excavated soil mixed with organic matter where appropriate, firm gently and water well.

• Support / Staking : Stake at planting if the site is exposed or the rootball is not stable. Use a short stake positioned at about 45° and secure the trunk with a flexible tree tie, leaving room for movement. Check the tie regularly and remove the stake after one to two growing seasons once the roots are established.

CARE

• Watering: Water deeply and regularly during the first two growing seasons, especially in dry or windy weather. Aim the water at the root zone rather than the trunk. A 5–8cm mulch will help retain moisture, but keep it clear of the stem.
• Feeding: Apply a general-purpose, slow-release fertiliser in spring if growth is weak or the soil is poor. Avoid overfeeding, which can encourage soft growth. Renew an organic mulch in spring to support soil structure and moisture retention.
• Pruning: Minimal pruning is required. Remove dead, damaged or crossing branches between midsummer and early autumn. Avoid hard pruning, which can spoil the natural shape and reduce future flowering.
• Ongoing care: Keep a weed-free circle around the base while the tree establishes and maintain a 5–8cm mulch, leaving a gap around the trunk. Check stakes and ties at least twice a year. Water during prolonged dry spells and inspect periodically for damaged, crossing or diseased branches.
• Safety: Not intended for consumption. Fallen petals and leaves may create slip hazards. Supervise children and pets around newly planted and staked trees. Do not allow any part of the plant to be eaten.

VERVE RECOMMENDS..

For best results, plant with Verve Rose, Tree & Shrub Compost and feed with Verve Growmore Fertiliser to encourage strong roots, healthy growth and vibrant foliage.