Three things I wish someone had told me before growing Magnolia

After growing Magnolia for over a year here is what I'd tell a beginner.

First: watering deeply and regularly in the first two growing seasons is not optional — it's the foundation everything else depends on. Second: scale insects or aphids in the canopy attracting sooty mould will happen and you should know how to handle it before it does. Third: a small garden with a compact or columnar variety chosen for scale genuinely matters — the right position unlocks exceptional seasonal spectacle from blossom through autumn colour in a way a poor position never will. autumn colour and fruit or berry display is the payoff for getting all of this right. It's worth every bit of effort.