I have a magnolia that is about 4 ft high that has been growing in the shade and never puts on much growth and does not produce many flowers.When would be a good time to move it to a sunnier part of the garden?
When it's dormant so autumn once its leaves have fallen. That way its roots can grow out while the soil is still warm and it will be ready to supply the energy needed for flowers and foliage in spring and need less watering.
Vendée - 20kms from Atlantic coast.
"The price good men (and women) pay for indifference to public affairs is to be ruled by evil men (and women)."
If you do plan to move it in autumn you can encourage it to make more fibrous roots to help it survive by taking your spade and making deep, vertical cuts in a circle round the base. Make it as wide as you possibly can but not so big you can't dig it all out in one go and carry it and you will have a well defined root ball ready for the move.
You will thus sever some of the longer roots but encourage fresh roots to grow nearer the base of the plant. Keep it watered from now to late summer to avoid stress and give an occasional drink of sequestered iron.
Vendée - 20kms from Atlantic coast.
"The price good men (and women) pay for indifference to public affairs is to be ruled by evil men (and women)."
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When it's dormant so autumn once its leaves have fallen. That way its roots can grow out while the soil is still warm and it will be ready to supply the energy needed for flowers and foliage in spring and need less watering.
Thanks Obelixx
Magnolias have rather fleshy roots that dislike being moved and you need to make sure there is a large rootball with undamaged roots when you move it.
Thank you
If you do plan to move it in autumn you can encourage it to make more fibrous roots to help it survive by taking your spade and making deep, vertical cuts in a circle round the base. Make it as wide as you possibly can but not so big you can't dig it all out in one go and carry it and you will have a well defined root ball ready for the move.
You will thus sever some of the longer roots but encourage fresh roots to grow nearer the base of the plant. Keep it watered from now to late summer to avoid stress and give an occasional drink of sequestered iron.