Magnolia x soulangeana Picture Superba

The Magnolia x soulangeana 'Picture Superba' prefers sheltered positions, sunny to semi-shady exposures, a fresh, even moist, well-drained, rich and humus-bearing, deep, neutral to acidic soil. It tolerates clayey and very slightly limestone soils, not waterlogged. However, it does not tolerate excess limestone, poor and dry soils, or windy locations. It enjoys good hardiness, but it is essential to protect young plants from frost in the first years following planting. Note that late frosts and cold winds can damage flower buds and young leaves, thus affecting flowering. Planting Magnolia can be done in spring or autumn, outside the frost period, ensuring it is sheltered from cold winds. Prepare a pit 80 cm wide and deep with a good supply of heather soil and compost. Handle it delicately when placing it in the hole to avoid breaking the fleshy but fragile roots. Immediate watering with non-limestone water (rainwater) helps to compact the soil around the roots. During the first year after planting, Magnolia requires watering once a week. It will benefit from an amendment once a year in spring. For planting in limestone soil, it is advisable to replace your soil with turf, pine bark, leaf compost, and heather soil. For better tree recovery, avoid choosing plants that are too large (1.50 m is a good size). Staking may be necessary for larger trees. Water generously in the first years. Magnolia does not like prolonged drought, so the soil should remain slightly moist (but not waterlogged) throughout the summer. Mulching the base is recommended to retain moisture during the hot season, enrich the soil, and protect it from winter cold. In the early years, a pruning after flowering can be done to shape its silhouette. The tree's growth is slow in the first years after planting. It will be well established after 4 to 5 years, with accelerated growth and pruning no longer necessary, except for removing dead wood and balancing its habit. Due to its fragile roots, avoid transplanting. The only enemies of Magnolia are pests such as scale insects, snails, and slugs attacking young plants, and cryptogamic diseases such as root rot (in overly waterlogged soil), coral spot disease, and Pestalozzia.