Where’s the best place to plant a southern magnolia tree?

QUESTION: Where’s the best place to plant a southern magnolia tree? I have a location in mind where I’d like to put it, but wanted to make sure that it doesn’t need to be planted with a certain orientation or specific sun requirement. Any tips? – Alex W

ANSWER: Southern magnolia trees are considered messy trees. Therefore, it’s best to plant them in specific growing locations where this characteristic of the tree works in its favor.

Consider growing these trees in decorative areas where it’s surrounded by other evergreen shrubs.

The idea is for the tree to drop its leaves in this decorative location where it can be used as mulch for the area.

Planting this tree in the center of your yard probably wouldn’t be the best idea as the mess of the tree would outshine the beauty of the tree itself.

Once you find the right growing location, be sure to provide a few additional growing conditions. Southern magnolia trees are flexible.

The more sun they receive, the more they bloom. Yet, the tree can grow in both sun or shade. It prefers to grow in evenly damp, well-draining soil.

But this tree can also thrive when provided a lot of moisture in a single time or even go through periods of drought.

You may also grow a southern magnolia tree in a container as long as it’s large enough to support the root system of the tree. The good news, yet again, is southern magnolia trees have shallow root systems.

Finally, southern magnolia trees remain hardy in planting zones six through ten. If you live in this area, this could be a good tree for you.

In summary, when growing a southern magnolia tree, plant it in a decorative location where its waste can be used as mulch for the area.

Also, supply the tree with proper lighting and soil to encourage the plant to grow. Then ensure you’re in the appropriate planting zone for this tree.

If you can supply all these things, the southern magnolia tree should do well in your landscape. By supplying what the southern magnolia needs, you should be able to enjoy its beauty for years.