Can a Flower Bed Be Put Around a Magnolia Tree?
- Magnolias grow slowly and develop shallow, sensitive root systems. Digging around the base of magnolia trees cuts and stunts root growth, which in turn results in irregular branch dieback or little new growth. The surface roots also are sensitive to heat and drought, which can become more pronounced if the soil is exposed and other plants are present competing for and using topsoil moisture. Magnolia trees also must have an acidic soil pH for good growth and avoidance of nutrient deficiencies.
- Placing a broad flower bed around the base of a magnolia is better than lawn grasses, which are nutrient-hungry and quickly absorb any traces of topsoil moisture. However, a flower bed requires continual maintenance, including hoeing and digging, which puts the magnolia tree at a disadvantage. Perennial flowers are a better choice than annual flowers under a magnolia tree. Annual flowers must be replaced all the time, resulting in more foot traffic and digging. At some point the magnolia tree's root will spread out into areas where you want to plant flowers. The matrix of shallow roots will make it difficult to dig holes to plant flowers. Shade cast by the magnolia can inhibit flowering on plants below.
- Instead of a maintenance-intensive flower bed, create an expansive mulch bed under a magnolia tree. The organic mulch, maintained at a depth of 3 to 4 inches, will deter weeds, shade the soil, retain moisture, decompose to provide humus and nutrients and diminish any soil compaction. This benefits the magnolia greatly. Plant small flowering shrubs and perennials in the mulch area so their roots grow and establish at the same time as the magnolia's. Only plant annual flowers outside the distance of the branch tips of the magnolia, where the tree's roots are smallest and most active to regrow if any are cut during flower planting.
- It is easier to dig holes and plant shrubs and perennials around a small, younger magnolia than a large tree with an expansive root system. If you plant before the magnolia's roots reach the area where you plant the shrub or perennial, you will have fewer issues with tree root disturbance years later. Plant acid soil-tolerant plants near the magnolia. Only plant long-lived plants under the magnolia, such as daffodils, peonies and other deep-rooted plants. Other shallow-rooted plants such as azaleas, or moisture-loving plants such as hostas and astilbes, or types needing lots of digging and dividing like irises and daylilies, make poor choices. Their roots will compete directly with the magnolia, making all plants involved not look or grow their best.