Yes, You Can Grow A Magnolia Tree In A Pot. Here's How

Magnolias are popular trees to plant because of their beautiful blooms and the amazing fragrance that fills the air with a lovely aroma. This flowering tree will bring a touch of romance to your yard and make you feel like you've stepped onto the set of "Gone with the Wind." Although the typical magnolia tree can be massive, reaching heights of 60 to 80 feet, there are smaller varieties like the Magnolia 'Little gem' (Magnolia grandiflora) magnolia 'Ann' (Magnolia liliflora x Magnolia stellata) and star magnolia (Magnolia stellate), a stunning white variety that will fill your yard with a heavenly scent. These smaller varieties are ideal for planting in containers and are perfect for those living in a condo or apartment.

When you plant your magnolia trees in containers, you don't have to worry about having a lot of space. You can put them on your patio, deck, balcony, or even keep them indoors. This versatility means you are not limited to just growing these lovely trees in their growing zones. This is handy when it comes to unexpected weather that could cause harm to your trees, such as extreme cold, high winds, or even too much heat and sun. Planting your magnolia trees and taking care of them is not complicated, but there are some things to remember to give your tree the best start.

Choosing the right container for your magnolia can mean the difference between a tree that thrives and one that struggles. The variety will also play a part in the size of the pot you should use. Look for round, deep pots that don't taper at the bottom so there is plenty of space for the roots. You should choose a container based on how tall the tree will be when it is mature. Ensure that the container has plenty of drainage holes. If the pot is large, get a rolling caddy to place underneath it before planting so you can easily move it around. 

Once your pot is chosen, fill it to the halfway mark with a good potting mix that will allow water to drain easily. Once this task has been completed, place the tree inside the pot and add more soil until it is level with the plant and the roots are covered. Leave at least 2 to 4 inches of space from the soil to the top of the pot. These lovely trees are hardy in zones 4 to 9 and love full sunlight, spring through fall, so find a location where the tree can get at least four to six hours of full sun daily. The good thing about being in a container is that you can move the tree to a sunnier or shadier location as needed.

Water is very important for the first few months your tree is growing. Water the tree when the soil is dry a few inches down from the top. Saturate the soil until water starts draining out of the holes at the bottom. Keep the drainage holes in mind if your tree is located indoors or on the porch so you can move it to a place where the draining water won't be a problem. Magnolia trees prefer wetter conditions so if you live in drier regions that don't get a lot of rainfall you may need to water your tree daily. Too much water can also be an issue so try this affordable, eco-friendly hack to never overwater your plants again. If you feel the soil is too damp, put that can away for another day. 

Do not fertilize your magnolia trees until they are settled in their containers, usually just a few months after planting. Once settled, add a slow-release, granular fertilizer designed for shrubs and trees in the springtime, and then again in the fall. Magnolia trees don't need a lot of pruning. They bloom on old wood so you never want to prune them in fall or early winter while they are dormant, or you will remove the buds for the next growing season. If needed, get rid of any dead or diseased branches right after blooming. If you have issues with pests, neem oil works well to eliminate the problem. You will want to apply the treatment four times, with two weeks between each treatment. Do this in the evening or early morning to avoid sunburn.