How to Take Care of Sweetbay Magnolia to Get Best Flower

Sweetbay magnolia is a type of flower that emits an aromatic scent along with its wood. The trees are known to be diverse in plant form and leaf shape. These are the reasons that might excite many people to plant it in their houses. If you are one of them, make sure you know how to take care of the trees.

Consider the Temperature
Sweetbay magnolias are usually grown in spring and fall seasons. Both are the most ideal times to plant because this tree needs warmth. When taking care of the tree, you need to keep it in temperatures ranging from 5 to 35 degrees Celsius.
It does not matter when winter is coming, but the temperature cannot be lower than -5 degrees Celsius. A very low temperature is not good for the tree’s growth. Letting the tree be in the area with -5 degrees Celsius below will make it more susceptible to damage.
That is why you need to consider the best time to plant sweetbay magnolias. If you live in a place that gets hotter during summer, do not plant your tree too early. To avoid some dangerous risks, it is important to grow it in late spring or early summer.
The tree needs to be in a cooler-temperature area, but not too cold and not too hot. It is also best to make your plant get full sun exposure or partial shade. The tree will grow optimally when it is planted in medium or very moist soil while getting enough sunshine.
Pay Attention to Water Needs
Sweetbay magnolia tree care is also about how properly you meet the water needs. For some cases, you do not need to water the tree regularly, especially when you grow it outside. If it often rains in your area, then usually this plant can survive just by being exposed to rainwater.
The tree should receive at least 48-64 inches of water per year. You need to pay attention to its water needs if you live in an area of little to no rain. Make sure the watering process is done every two weeks. You need to water it deeply but infrequently only not to make the soil become too dry.
Fertilize in the First Three Years
Use balanced, general-purpose fertilizer at least for the first three years of planting the tree. For the first second year, you can only use one cup of fertilizer for the plant. For the third year, two cups are enough, but usually after the third year the fertilizer is no longer needed.
Prune as Needed
Pruning is required only after the plant finishes blooming so that it can develop a stronger structure. But usually, most magnolias rarely need pruning. Even if pruning is needed, you can do it to remove dead, diseased, or broken branches.

Sweetbay magnolia is not too difficult to care for. If you take care of the tree properly, the plant would be able to live up to 80 years. This plant is also known to be tough and adaptable, especially if it is in a good condition.