Magnolia 'susan'

[Tilly2]

Can I put a Magnolia 'Susan' in a large pot ? Will it grow too big to stay in the pot.? I don't really have room for it inthe borders and would like to place it on the front driveway.

[shoota]

You could Tilly, if you employ some basic 'Bonsai' techniques:
Prune back hard after flowering so that the growth stays within reasonable bounds and
Trim the roots by a third every third year.
Feed with a weak solution of Miracid occasionally and use a neutral to acid soil.

[Tilly2]

Thank you, shoota.To trim the roots, would I just hoick it out of the pot and cut the roots back?

[shoota]

Basically, yes.
Try and leave the fine feeder roots but basically just reduce the rootball, taking out any strong spreading roots and then repot with some extra soil to make up the space.
I had one in a pot for some years but got fed up of waiting for the trunk to thicken so I could 'Bonsai' it properly.

[shoota]

http://containergardening.about.com/od/containergardening101/f/Rootpruning.htm

[Tilly2]

Thanks again, shoota.

[shoota]

Welcome T x

[woofgang]

shoota have you actually done that to a magnolia? They hate having their roots disturbed and are also very susceptible to root damage. I would choose a decent sized pot, plant it in good ericaceous compost and leave it alone. The pot size will naturally constrict the roots and limit growth but Susan id a slow grower anyway.

[Tilly2]

Woof, I have bought John Innes no 3 compost. Is that not the correct compost?

[Tilly2]

Just boosting this as woof is around.

[shoota]

The compost should be neutral tending towards acid Till. I don't know what JI 3 is but Magnolias don't like lime. If you've got some ericaceous compost use that or mix it with the JI. Failing that water the tree with a weak solution of Miracid (ericaceous feed) which will counteract any lime present.

I have grown a Magnolia in a pot Woof but I'll admit I have no recollection of which one it was. If Susan is that slow growing, don't root prune until it is necessary Till.

[woofgang]

If it was me I'd use the JI 3 for something else and go buy some ericaceous. The JI3 might be okay watered with Miracid and it might not. I guess it depends how much you paid for the magnolia...mine were 3.99 off the market.

[woofgang]

shoota JI3 is standard compost for trees and shrubs in pots. JI say its not suitable for magnolias.
here's the JI info
http://www.johninnes.info/ericaceous.htm

[shoota]

Found this Tilly:
>>Jackie asks...

I have just brought a magnolia susan, it's about 3-4 foot tall. Should i plant it in the garden or transfer it to a bigger pot. What would be the best thing to do please?

Bill replies...

The time Jackie to transplant your Magnolia Susan is late springtime when the soil is beginning to warm up. Magnolias prefer a slightly acid soil they do not like chalky conditions and if your Magnolia is going to be planted in the garden you will need to choose a sunny but sheltered spot away from prevailing cold winds and, it is also important not to plant too deeply. You will also need to keep an eye on the watering throughout the summer months and a mulch with well rotted manure is also beneficial. You ask if it is possible to repot into a larger container and, again, now is the time and there are large wooden/plastic containers and barrels available which would be ideal for your Magnolia but, it is important when repotting to use a soil base compost such as John Innes No 2/3 and you will need to feed with a general Magnolia/Acid Fertiliser. Of the two options providing you have the correct soil conditions transplanting into the garden would I feel be more beneficial.

[shoota]

(The end of my previous post has disappeared, probably too long...)

I said 'I still wouldn't use just JI despite what Bill says. Magnolias don't need the same level of ericaceous compost that Azaleas do but I would include a good proportion of peat or ericaceous in the mix to ensure that it was on the right side of the acid/alkaline balance.'

[hammerman]

I have 3 M. stellata and 2 very large M. sanguinea all thriving on near solid chalk in Brighton.

[Tilly2]

I'm a bit confused now. I'll go and buy some ericaceous compost and mix it with the JI3, I think.