Content
Magnolia Susan is a plant that can decorate any garden. However, like any decorative flowering tree, it requires specific care. A huge disadvantage of magnolia of any variety is low winter hardiness, which causes problems when grown in regions with cold climates.
Description of magnolia Suzanne
Suzanne magnolias are deciduous trees, reaching a height of at least 2.5 m, maximum 6.5 m. The shape of the plant is pyramidal; as it matures, the crown becomes rounder. The variety was obtained after crossing varieties of magnolia star and lily. Magnolia Susan leaves are large, thick, rich green in color, and glossy.
With proper care, the plant can live up to 50 years. Unfavorable conditions shorten the life of a tree.
How hybrid magnolia Susan blooms
The description of the magnolia variety Susan indicates that the flowering period of the plant occurs in April and May; the complete cessation of flowering is noted at the end of June.
The flowers grow upward, are glass-shaped, and large. The diameter of one specimen reaches 15 cm. The flower is six-petaled, light pink, and has a strong aroma.
Reproduction methods
Planting and caring for magnolia Suzanne begins with growing a seedling. There are three methods of reproduction:
- cuttings;
- layering;
- seeds.
It is impossible to grow magnolia Susan with seeds in the Moscow region, no matter how good the planting and care. Even if the plant takes root and is carefully covered for the winter, the seeds will not ripen. However, in warmer climates this is a troublesome but affordable method:
- The seeds must be planted immediately after collection; the side walls of the seed coat are too hard, so they pierce it with a needle and rub it off with sandpaper.
- The planting material is covered with an oily layer, which must be carefully washed off with soapy water. Then rinse with clean water.
- The seeds are planted in boxes, buried 3 cm into the ground. The containers are put into the basement and taken out only in March.
- The boxes are placed on a sunny windowsill. In 1 year, the seedling grows 50 cm, only after that it is allowed to plant it in the ground.
At the end of June, when the magnolia fades, suitable branches are cut for cuttings. There should be 3 true leaves on top. The cuttings are placed in a growth activator solution, then planted in a substrate of soil and peat. Containers with magnolia Susan cuttings are covered and placed in a room with a temperature of 19–21°C. After 2 months (times vary individually), the first roots appear. After this, the cuttings are transplanted into the ground to a permanent place.
The layering method of propagation requires more time.In spring, the lower branches are bent to the soil and buried. The branch is secured so that it does not straighten, but breaking off should also be avoided. In the fall, the cuttings will already have roots. It is permissible to separate future seedlings from the tree and plant them only after several years.
Planting and caring for Magnolia Susan
Planting magnolia Susan and caring for the crop require creating growing conditions favorable for the seedling. It is especially difficult to grow a tree in the conditions of the Moscow region and central Russia.
Recommended timing
Susan's magnolia planting has been postponed until October. Magnolia Susan easily tolerates transplantation during this period, since the plant enters a period of hibernation. Spring planting is undesirable due to the likelihood of unexpected frosts, which are detrimental to the plant.
Due to low winter hardiness, the transplanted plant must be covered especially carefully.
Site selection and soil preparation
For the best growth of magnolia Susan, the soil should not be calcareous or sandy. It is necessary to add peat, black soil, and compost to the soil.
It is advisable to choose a bright place on the site. Strong wind is undesirable for the tree. An excessively wet area is also not suitable; overmoistening is unacceptable, as is drying out.
How to plant correctly
Compliance with the rules for planting magnolia will ensure good survival of the seedling and the health of the adult tree. Before starting the procedure, it is necessary to water the soil moderately. The Susan hybrid is planted as follows:
- they dig up the ground, bring in wood ash;
- make a hole 70 cm deep;
- the seedling is placed in a hole and buried;
- the soil is carefully compacted near the trunk;
- water generously with warm water;
- mulch with peat.
It is prohibited to bury the root collar; it must be located at least 2 cm above the soil surface.
Growing and caring for magnolia Susan
Based on reviews of growing magnolia Susan in central Russia, specific care difficulties have been identified:
- High or medium acidity of the soil is necessary, otherwise the plant begins to hurt.
- Freezing is recorded even with careful shelter. In nitrogenous soils, magnolia Susan's frost resistance decreases.
- Excess nutrients harm the plant. The leaves turn yellow and dry out. The solution is deep weekly watering.
- The cause of the appearance of spider mites can be drying out of the soil. Therefore, timely, correct irrigation is the best prevention.
By following the rules of watering, fertilizing, and pruning, gardeners maintain the health and beauty of magnolia.
Watering
The health and decorative qualities of magnolia depend on proper watering. To prevent the Susan hybrid from losing its aesthetic characteristics, adhere to the following watering rules:
- For the first 3 years after planting the seedling, watering is necessary so often that the soil is constantly moist, but not wet. Overmoistening, as well as dryness, destroy young magnolia.
- A grown tree is watered up to 4 times a month. The water must first be heated in the sun. The amount of moisture depends on the size of the plant - the older the Susan magnolia, the more water it requires.
- For better absorption of liquid, be sure to loosen the soil with a rake before watering. BecauseThe root system is located close to the soil surface, so deep loosening is prohibited.
Regardless of age, it is necessary to ensure that the soil is not overly wet. Watering an adult magnolia Susan is only permissible if the soil is dry.
Top dressing
If nutrients were added to the soil during planting, magnolia Susan does not need fertilizer for the first two years. Starting from the third year, fertilizing is carried out regularly.
To make your own fertilizer, dilute urea and saltpeter (ratio 2:1.5). Ready-made fertilizers include any mineral complexes designed for ornamental and flowering shrubs.
Trimming
It is not necessary to trim the crowns of Susan variety trees to form them. Hygienic pruning is carried out in the fall, the tree should bloom and prepare for winter. Tools must be sharp, not leaving kinks and not damaging the bark of the tree.
The cut areas are treated with garden varnish; this is a necessary procedure for the seedling, which will avoid infection of the wounds.
In spring, pruning is prohibited. Due to the active movement of sap, any violation of the integrity of the bark harms the tree.
Preparing for winter
Magnolia hybrid Susan has low winter hardiness. Even slight frost is contraindicated for the plant.
Therefore, when growing in open ground, careful preparation for wintering is necessary. The ground around the tree is mulched, covered with spruce branches, and the trunk is wrapped in warm, thick fabric.
Pests and diseases
Pests and diseases are not a common problem with magnolias. Common pests of the Susan variety include:
- scale insects;
- spider mites;
- rodents.
Spraying the tree with acaricides will help get rid of insects. To prevent mice from getting to the trunk and roots and gnawing them, mulching is carried out in the pre-winter period. Damage found from rodent teeth must be treated with a solution of the drug “Fundazol”.
Typical diseases are:
- bacterial spot;
- gray mold;
- soot fungus;
- powdery mildew.
Conclusion
Magnolia Susan in warm climates will delight gardeners not only with greenery, but also with flowers. Residents of the middle zone and north can plant trees exclusively in winter gardens.
Reviews of magnolia Susan
