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Magnolia In Pots

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Jessy pie | 00:45 Wed 06th Mar 2013 | Gardening
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Is it possible to grow a Magnolia tree/shrub in pots or tubs?. If so what size pot should be used?
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It is theoretically possible to grow any woody stemmed tree or bush in a pot as the link shows.
Assuming you have a rooted cutting or a sapling the size of the starting pot should be large enough to accomodate the root ball with (say) 1" to 1.5"s of compost surrounding it. The canopy should be pruned so that it is not top heavy.
If desired you can then 'pot on' in the early spring of successive years until you reach a size that suits you.
For some unexplained reason a sapling will not do as well in a large pot as in a pot in proportion to its size.
Don't forget that if you keep a tree in a pot to retrict it's growth (bonsai) you should supply additional suitable food and change the compost every so often.
The answer to the second part of your question is impossible to give without knowing the size of your tree.
Yes Jessy pie, It's highly possible to grow magnolia in pots, especially if you have a sheltered area away from frost that's in sun or part shade.
Select a pot grown, small tree, Magnolia grandiflora 'Galissonniere' would be a good choice.
Choose a container only slightly larger that the pot it was grown in (you can always pot-on in a couple of years or so). ensure good drainage by adding crocks (broken pots etc) to the bottom of the pot.
They will grow much better in acidic soil, Azailia or Camellia potting mix should be fine. Use a slow release fertilizer once a year, stating approx 6 months after potting.
The surface roots are very easily damaged so best to avoid planting bulbs etc in the container.
I happened to walk past an Aldi store today and remembered your post.
They have magnolia trees in 3 ltr posts, 80cm tall. varieties- Susan, stellata & Soullangeana £7.99ea (other stores are available bla bla)
Hope this helps
Question Author
Thanks everyone. Yes chipchopper,i have seen those in Aldi and like the look of them.Sometimes you have to watch some Aldi plants/shrubs as they tend to be in need of a good watering. This is where i thought of buying one and growing it in a pot as ive no room to plant in my small garden
Very true Jessy pie, Aldi had plants outside the shop about a week ago, with a big sign saying 'Medeteranian Plants'. It was a bitterly cold day and they was looking very sorry for themselves!

Ps, Any of those deciduous one they have there should do well, good price too!
Keep well watered but don't over-water, little & often.
Good Luck
Chip

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