Unlocking the magic of Susan Magnolia. A guide to year-long blooms

Magnolias are exceptional plants that almost fairy-tale-like adorn gardens in spring. Many of their owners dream about having them around for longer, which is possible very simply. Instead of buying a flower at random, choose a variety of magnolia like Susan, which you'll love into early fall.

Many people decide not to grow magnolias because they've heard unflattering opinions about them, which are myths. These flowers are extremely gracious, and especially one of them deserves attention, as it does not only bud in spring! For many gardeners, this is a pleasant surprise, but it is also a reason to ask questions about planting and caring for Susan magnolias. Is it a demanding plant in the garden?

Susan magnolia is not very popular in Poland, yet it looks amazing thanks to its large pink blooms and dark green leaves. It usually grows up to about 3 metres and suits any plot, and it smells better than expensive perfumes! When can you expect it to bloom? Late April and May are Susan Magnolia's first shining moment in gardens. At this time, it resembles a fairytale tree because the plant's leaves have not yet appeared. After this time, the magnolia fades, and it rereleases buds only in August or September. These are no less spectacular than the spring ones.

If you think magnolias are difficult to cultivate, you'd better change your mind and remember a few key rules, thanks to which it will flourish with flowers. The ideal conditions for magnolias are primarily acidic soil with a pH of 6.5. They love hummus and bio-waste in the form of leaves, which nourish them like natural compost. Many gardeners sprinkle the magnolia with conifer bark, which also acidifies the soil and yields spectacular spring and late summer results. Magnolias do very well in spots sheltered from the wind but semi-shaded, and for the first two years of having the plant, it is necessary to protect it from frost.

Planting Susan magnolia can be done in spring and fall, but remember that it only begins to thrive in the fourth year of cultivation. After placing the plant in the ground, it's necessary to mulch its base and ensure it's watered (especially during summer heat waves). The optimal amount of water for a tree about 1 metre tall is approximately 15 litres of rainwater.

In growing magnolia, it's very important to fertilize it at least twice a year with a rhododendron fertilizer or a nitrogen addition (only in spring). Moreover, pruning magnolia is the biggest gardening mistake because these fairytale trees poorly tolerate losing shoots. In exceptional situations, you can cut off broken or diseased branches of the plant, but only in April.