Magnolias add a burst of blooms to any landscape with their giant pedals in various shades of white and pink. Magnolia trees can range enormously in height; with a lifespan of 80-120 years, they can reach anywhere from 8ft to 60ft! This makes magnolia trees ideal for yards, as they come in all shapes and sizes. No matter how limited or expansive the space is, there’s a type of magnolia tree to fit your needs. In this blog, we’ll go over what it takes to grow a Magnolia tree of your own this Spring.
When to Plant Magnolias
If you’re in a cold climate, the best time to plant magnolias is in early Spring. However, if you find magnolias available at your garden centre anytime throughout the year, it’s acceptable to go ahead and plant them. Evergreen magnolias are especially recommended for growth during this time as long as the soil is workable.
Magnolia Spacing
Magnolias require ample space to thrive and should stay put once planted. It’s best to keep the area beneath them clear of anything else as their falling leaves can smother plants, although they will decompose and act as a natural mulch that provides essential nutrients for the tree.
Planting Magnolias
Magnolia trees prefer well-drained, nutrient-rich soil such as sandy, loamy or clay. When planting, consider the depth of its roots – which makes them vulnerable to damage caused by foot traffic and heavy soil compaction. Mulching can help keep the roots cool, especially in the early years after they are planted.
Magnolia Sunlight
Regarding light requirements, evergreen varieties need full sun, while deciduous ones require some partial shade. Magnolias generally prefer full sun for optimal growth, but in areas with extreme heat or dryness, some shade is necessary to protect them from the intense afternoon sun.
Watering Magnolias
After planting, providing your new tree with enough water is essential. Depending on the climate, watering should occur 2-3 times per week during cooler months and then once weekly throughout the growing season. For watering, use 2-3 gallons per inch of trunk diameter (3.0-4.4 litres per cm).
Tip: Although magnolia seeds and leaves aren’t toxic, they are not meant to be eaten. If your pet does consume parts of the tree, keep an eye out for any signs of indigestion or discomfort and seek advice from your vet.
Magnolia trees are a fantastic specimen, combining breathtaking flowers with lustrous foliage and an irresistible fragrance. Their unparalleled beauty and aroma can bring complete serenity to your garden. Now that you know how to plant your very own, all there is left to do is choose your favourite one!
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Winter Flowering jasmine, or Jasminum Nudiflorum, is a beautiful variety of Jasmine that blooms during winter months in zones 6-10 from mid-winter until early spring. With bright yellow blooms, Winter Jasmine can provide a bit of extra cheer to get us through dark and cold Canadian winters. In this week’s blog, we’re here to share everything there is to know about Winter Flowering Jasmine! Plus, watch and learn as our own Gord Nickel shares a few tips and tricks for pruning your Winter Jasmine at home.
About Winter Jasmine
Belonging to the Oleacea family, Winter Jasmine is a deciduous shrub with a surprising relation to olive trees. Initially found in China and called ‘Yingchun’ meaning ‘the flower that welcomes Spring,’ Winter Jasmine is now grown worldwide in zones 6-10. When gifted with this beautiful bloom, it is said to symbolize feminity, inspiration, hospitality, love and community.
Growing Winter Jasmine
With long drooping branches, Winter Jasmine can grow up to four feet tall and seven feet wide unsupported, but with the help of good staking, they can reach as high as fifteen feet tall! So be sure to provide adequate spacing when mapping out the garden. If planted in the Spring, you can expect one-inch yellow blooms in the late winter. To do so, follow the care guide below and provide adequate pruning!
Sun
Full to Partial Shade
Soil
Well-drained soil (chalk, loamy, clay, sand)
Zone
Zones 6 – 10
Water
Water when the top inch of soil dries out
Fertilizer
For extra blooms opt for a slow release fertilizer such as Power Bloom
Note
Great for trellises and groundcover!
TIP: Watch out for pesky mealybugs and aphids! Though this plant is often disease-free, some problems may occur with these insects. In this case, use a gentle insecticide spray such as Schultz Insect Spray.
Pruning Jasmine
Whether you decide to grow Winter Jasmine as groundcover, over fences, up trellises or along arbors, Winter Jasmine is a beautiful shrub that can provide pops of colour where, and especially when, you need it most. For tips and tricks on pruning your winter-blooming-beauty, check out the latest episode of Get Up and Grow to watch as our President Gord Nickel shows Hannah how to prune her Winter Flowering Jasmine plant in the latest Chek News episode ‘Winter Flowering Jasmine’ below.
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The flower of the sun god Appollo. Hyacinth represents the flower of peace, beauty, commitment, pride and pride. These Mediterranean natives can grow worldwide in both garden beds and containers. Learn everything there is to know about Hyacinths in this week’s Blog, Hyacinths 101! Plus follow along as our President Gord Nickel shows us his favourite tips and tricks for growing Grape Hyacinths at home.
About Hyacinths
Hyacinth bulbs produce some of the best fragrances for spring! They grow in a cluster of flowers along their stalk and come in a variety of vibrant and pastel colors. Hyacinth flowers work well in perennial gardens, flower beds, walkways, and cut flower arrangements.
Early to mid flowering, Hyacinths prefer full to partial sun. Plant your hyacinth six inches deep and four inches apart from September until December with ten inch blooms appearing from March until April.
Performing great indoors or outdoors, hyacinths are deer resistant and grow well in containers. For added interest, try planting your hyacinths with Royal Star Magnolia! The similar bloom times of Hyacinths Magic Carpet ride and Magnolias will create a forever favourite display for years to come.
How To Plant Hyacinths
To enjoy plant your very own hyacinths below, try our easy to follow instructions to get started while the timing is right.
1.) Plant your hyacinth bulbs when the soil is 15C in well-draining soil with full sun or partial shade. Typically from September until December.
2.) Plant the bulbs six inches deep and four inches apart, with the pointed side of the bulb face up.
3.) Water your bulbs well and wait for spring!
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