Magnolia Magnolia 'Summer Solstice'

Water

The Southern Magnolia should be watered deeply, enough to saturate the root zone, which typically means applying about 1.5 gallons for younger trees and as much as 5 gallons for more mature trees. When newly planted, water twice a week to establish roots, then adjust to once a week during active growth in spring and summer. During the fall and cooler months, reduce watering frequency to every two to three weeks, depending on the weather. Always check the soil moisture before watering; the soil should be moist but not waterlogged.

Light

Southern Magnolias thrive in full sun to partial shade. They perform best when they receive at least 4-6 hours of direct sunlight daily. The ideal spot for these magnolias would be an area where they get morning sunlight and are protected from the intense heat of the late afternoon sun.

Temperature

Southern Magnolias are hardy and can tolerate temperatures from about 0°F to over 100°F. The ideal temperature range for optimal growth is between 70°F and 90°F. They can survive occasional dips below freezing, but prolonged exposure to temperatures below 0°F may damage the plant.

Pruning

Prune Southern Magnolias to remove dead or damaged branches, to shape the tree, or to control its size. The best time to prune is in late winter or early spring before the new growth starts. Annual pruning is usually sufficient unless there are broken or diseased branches that need to be removed immediately.

Cleaning

As needed

Soil

Magnolias 'Summer Solstice' thrive in well-draining, rich, loamy soil with a slightly acidic to neutral pH of 5.5 to 7.0. A mix of two parts loam, one part peat moss, and one part compost provides the necessary nutrients, drainage, and aeration.

Repotting

Magnolia 'Summer Solstice' typically does not require frequent repotting and should only be repotted every 2 to 4 years to refresh the soil and accommodate root growth. Young trees may benefit from annual repotting.

Humidity & Misting

Magnolia 'Summer Solstice' prefers moderate humidity levels, but as an adaptable outdoor plant, it tolerates a wide range of humidity conditions typical of temperate climates.

Suitable locations

• Indoor

  Provide bright, indirect light and room to grow.

• Outdoor

  Plant in well-drained soil, full sun to partial shade.

• Hardiness zone

  5-9 USDA

Life cycle

The life of a Magnolia 'Summer Solstice', also known as Summer Solstice Magnolia, begins with seed germination, which occurs in ideal moist, well-drained soil conditions with adequate warmth. The seedling stage is marked by the emergence of the first set of true leaves, after which the plant enters a period of vegetative growth where it develops a sturdy stem and mature leaves. During the flowering stage, the Summer Solstice Magnolia produces large, fragrant blooms typically in late spring to early summer, showcasing creamy white flowers with pinkish-purple bases. After pollination, usually by beetles attracted to the scent and color of the flowers, the plant develops fruit in the form of aggregate cones containing red seeds. The seeds may fall to the ground and, given the right conditions, can germinate to repeat the cycle, while the parent plant enters a period of dormancy in the winter months. Throughout its life, the Summer Solstice Magnolia will undergo annual cycles of growth, flowering, and dormancy, living for many years if conditions are favorable.

Propogation

• Propogation time

  Spring-Early Summer

• The Magnolia 'Summer Solstice', often referred to by its common name Summer Solstice Magnolia, is primarily propagated through the method of softwood cuttings. This process typically occurs during the late spring to early summer when the plant's new growth is still tender and green. To propagate, a gardener should choose a healthy branch that has just started to harden, known as softwood. From this branch, a cutting about 4 to 6 inches long is taken, ideally with a few leaves present. The bottom leaves are removed, and the cut end is often dipped in a rooting hormone to encourage root development. This cutting is then placed in a well-draining potting mix, ensuring that at least one leaf node, the spot where leaves emerge, is below the soil line to foster roots. The soil should be kept moist but not waterlogged, and the cutting should be placed in a warm location with indirect sunlight until roots have developed, which can take several weeks.