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Magnolia and Acer

james-HYumfQsjames-HYumfQs Posts: 68
in Plants
Hi everyone, just after some advice. For the Coronation we are planting some small ornamental type trees at the school, I've got 4 magnolia's, stellata, Susan, Betty and a lovely yellow Daphne - not seen this one before, lots of buds on it. We have lots of leaf mulch - well composted - at the school, but didn't want to introduce roots and weeds, so brought some bags of sylva RHS compost, rose, tree and shrub variety. I was going to use general purpose with blood fish and bone, also have some liquid seaweed for feeding once planted. Would this rose and tree one be fine to mulch around the hole with the plant. I've been told by other people that it's best not to put anything too rich around the base as it can prevent root ball growth?

Also, what souls are best for these trees? Should I treat with something special? Thanks 

Thanks 

Posts

  • Silver surferSilver surfer Posts: 4,719
    edited May 2023

    I will leave advice to others re soil. etc.

    I hope you will give the Magnolia masses of space...they grow big...see pics below
    Which Acer have you got a dwarf or a large tree?

    May I ask which yellow Daphne you have?
    There is one that is summer dormant...no leaves and can be rather tricky to grow.
    It would be very disappointing for the children if it died.
    Other Daphne are far easier...and extremely scented.

    Pic below at Scottish Rock garden show.




    Magnolia stellata.



    MAGNOLIA  STELLATA  KING  ROSE 


    MAGNOLIA  STELLATA  ROYAL  STAR 


    MAGNOLIA  STELLATA  KEISKEI 

    Perthshire. SCOTLAND .
  • james-HYumfQsjames-HYumfQs Posts: 68
    As far as I know it's hardy and low maintenance. I'll check the name tomorrow. It looks like this anyway. It was £169.99 . Hopefully it's not a nightmare to look after. Was going to cover the top with alpaca dung as we have loads. And maybe seaweed watering whilst it establishes. I guess it has one of two outcomes. Fingers crossed it does well. Has plenty of shelter and sun with some shade. 






     
  • Silver surferSilver surfer Posts: 4,719
    edited May 2023
    OK thanks!
    Phew....Not a difficult Daphne with yellow flowers.

    A fab Magnolia (called  Magnolia Daphne) with yellow flowers.
    As earlier .....Magnolia can grow large...they need space.
    It will need watering for the whole summer until the roots settle in.
    Especially  if it is hot and dry.
    Maybe put in a tube for getting water down to the roots.
    https://www.hooksgreenhouse.com/2021/04/29/how-to-plant-a-shrub-or-tree-for-late-season-success/

    They will  need no other looking after once planted.  No pruning.

    Make sure you mulch them well ..to keep weeds down and moisture in.

    https://extension.msstate.edu/blog/go-green-mulch

    Good luck with this adventurous project!
    I hope they give years of pleasure.

    https://www.arboretumwespelaar.be/EN/Our_selections/Magnolia_Daphne/#pageimages-4
    Perthshire. SCOTLAND .
  • james-HYumfQsjames-HYumfQs Posts: 68
    Smashing, thanks for the information. I will mulch well and water well. Was going to use water retaining pellets,  it maybe I'll just keep an eye on it. 

    The labels said you can prune and the largest grows to 4.5m, the other one 1.5-1.8m tall and the other 2.5m, so didn't think they'd be enormous. The largest one has a large space ready for it. Hopefully they'll do well. 
  • Silver surferSilver surfer Posts: 4,719
    james-HYumfQs said:


    The labels said you can prune and the largest grows to 4.5m, the other one 1.5-1.8m tall and the other 2.5m, so didn't think they'd be enormous. The largest one has a large space ready for it. Hopefully they'll do well. 
    It is not just the height that you need to think about...it is the width as well.
    They can be wide!
    See my  Magnolia pics above.
    Perthshire. SCOTLAND .
  • FairygirlFairygirl Posts: 55,117
    I'd echo what @Silver surfer says  re the ongoing care. Don't underestimate the watering, especially over the next 6 months or so. Shrubs and trees take a long time to establish, even in the right site and conditions.
    Sizes are approximate in terms of height and width, which is why they can cover such a wide range, because those conditions are what determines it.  :)  
    It's a place where beautiful isn't enough of a word....



    I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
  • DovefromaboveDovefromabove Posts: 88,147
    edited May 2023
    Some plant labels/descriptions in catalogues etc give the expected size after a particular  period … often ten years … that doesn’t mean the plant isn’t going to grow a lot bigger. 

    Gardening in Central Norfolk on improved gritty moraine over chalk ... free-draining.





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