The Magnolia – Blossom Magic in Spring

If you can't wait for spring, just bring a magnolia into your garden. Because even if the weather is still dreary and uncomfortable, it won't stop the magnolia.

The magnolia shows its first blooms even before the leaves appear, marking the arrival of spring earlier than any other early bloomers. While all other plants are still hesitant to venture into the fresh air, the magnolia blossoms in beautiful and vibrant colors.

The magnolia is something truly special. It can grow from a small shrub to a large tree and has a very long history. The magnolia has been around for over 100 million years, making it the oldest flowering plant in the world. It was native to Central Europe even before the Ice Age. What's also remarkable is that all other deciduous trees known today have evolved from the magnolia. Here, magnolias are so popular because they bring color to the garden early. With over 80 species, there is a magnolia for every taste. The star magnolia begins blooming in March with its flowers, and then various types of magnolias continue blooming through to summer.

Although the magnolia is relatively easy to care for, it has a sensitive root system and should be planted in a protected and sunny spot in the garden. The cold east wind and late night frosts could harm the magnolia's flowers, causing them to turn yellow and wilt. To ensure the magnolia thrives, it needs plenty of space and should not be planted too close to other plants. It's also important that young magnolias receive additional watering whenever the soil is dry. As the magnolia matures, it will need fewer extra waterings. Since magnolias prefer to grow undisturbed, they don't require special pruning. In fact, pruning could do more harm than good and prevent the plant from growing more vigorously.

Magnolias are a must-have in every garden in spring. And although the falling petals require more maintenance than other shrubs, the magnolia rewards the gardener with early and beautiful blossoms. Perfect companions for the magnolia are rhododendrons. On the ground, daffodils, crocuses, and fragrant violets provide splashes of color in the flower bed. A magnolia also works beautifully planted in a round bed in the middle of the lawn, giving it a special highlight. However, it's important to avoid neighboring plants that could compete with the magnolia. This includes certain groundcovers, which spread too quickly and steal valuable nutrients from the magnolia. For those with smaller gardens, the star magnolia is a great choice. It is also well-suited for balconies and roof terraces.