EasyBloom Forum

I was given a Manolia last Christmas. Kept it in the house last winter and transplanted to a pot in the spring. It has grown about three times its original size. Can I keep it in a pot this winter ? Can I keep it outside and should I provide any type of protection ? Will the leaves drop ? Any special handling needed ? Thanks

Hey Patricia...I was wondering if you could first tell me where you live generally. For example, if you lived in Southern Louisiana, I would say leave your Magnolia outside and enjoy its beauty. However, if you were to say you lived in Detroit, I would have something very different to say about your Magnolia. :) Magnolia grandifloras are evergreens so if it starts dropping a lot of leaves, there is something wrong. That something wrong could be too cold. Let me know where you have your Magnolia and I can give you better advice. Thanks, Robby

Robby, Thanks for a quick reply. I live in Connecticut near the Massachusetts border. The plant is still outside and has not yet dropped any leaves. I do have a garage so planted could be wintered over there is need be.

Hey Patricia...I definitely would bring your Magnolia inside for the winter. Unfortunately, bringing them inside will not decrease the tree's demand for light as well. These trees are full sun plants and being in your garage will also affect the health of the plant, but if it gets too cold you will also see an effect. If you are willing to risk it, you may want to try keeping it outside but close to a south or west facing wall. Keeping it close to the house will provide some temperature protection, but I also have to warn you that I cannot guarantee that this will be enough protection. I would suspect you are about 2 zones from of being the tree's lower limit for cold hardiness zones. Its lower limit is 7. Much of CT is zone 5. This may be difficult, but by providing some microclimates it may survive the winter. I have a trick that I use here in Northern California if we are supposed to have a cold snap that my lime tree may not be able to handle. I string up some holiday lights throughout the canopy of the lime tree. Luckily, I can do this because my lime tree is very small in size. When night rolls around I simply turn on the lights, which provides a small microclimate that is slightly warmer around the lime tree and it provides a festive look. If your Magnolia is not too big (I say this because Southern Magnolias can get HUGE), I would recommend stringing some holiday lights throughout the canopy to give a little extra heat to the plant. I hope this is helpful. Let me know if you have any further questions. Cheers! Robby