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Disturbed Magnolia roots

MolamolaMolamola Posts: 105
in Problem solving
Looking for reassurance.

My partner planted a star magnolia in the ground yesterday and removed 3-4 of the roots while doing so, thinking it was root bound from being in the pot. I was not there... 

I'm now worried it will fail because magnolias resent root disturbance.  It's still quite young (only about 60cm tall) but has several stems already and flowering. 

I suppose we'll just have to wait and see, but does anything have similar experiences?  

Keeping my fingers crossed. 

Posts

  • GardenerSuzeGardenerSuze Posts: 5,692
    @Molamola Yes you do have to be careful not to disturb Magnolia roots but I think the best thing you can do is look after it well from now on with proper care it should be fine and you can't go back!
    I have worked as a Gardener for 24 years. My latest garden is a new build garden on heavy clay.
  • thevictorianthevictorian Posts: 1,279
    I know they are famed for not liking root disturbance but I've read quite a few times about people that have transplanted them, after several years of growing in that spot, without much issue.
    If the roots were round the edge of the pot then breaking them might not be as bad because at least it will spur on new feeding roots at those sites which could help it establish. I wouldn't worry to much, just keep it moist and perhaps mulched until you are confident it's alright.
  • MolamolaMolamola Posts: 105
    Thanks everyone! A quick update to say that since I posted, the magnolia has had many (though not all) flower buds bloom and I see leaves breaking, so it does seem to be fine.  We have mulched lots and are making sure to keep it moist. 
  • AstraeusAstraeus Posts: 336
    We transplanted a mature (at least ten years old) magnolia last year. It's now budding up as usual, ready to spring into life any day now, with good growth on the leaves. It's purely an anecdote but ours was fine with some severe root disturbance!

    Good luck.
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