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What is it about the Magnolia that has fascinated the North American continent to such an extent? After all, the humble Magnolia flower has been elevated to the official state flower of not only Louisiana but also Mississippi! Named after a French botanist, Magnolias spread through seeds or through grafts that may be used to clone an individual plant.

While they do not require a lot of extensive care once they are firmly established, they do have some up front requirements, especially if you are just planting one today:

• Magnolias appreciate well-drained soil and do not appreciate standing in water.
• They need sunlight and lots of it. While they will grow in shady spots, they will most likely not bloom often, if at all.
• New trees should be fertilized frequently.
• If you are growing your tree from a seed, be patient. These trees may take ten to twenty-five years to produce their first blooms.

Of course, Magnolias add a lot of southern charm to any landscape, yet like any other plant they do experience some downtime when they are not blooming. Usually during the autumn months they will ripen their seeds, which are located in seedpods. These pods will begin to drop to the ground and those who have magnolia trees with trimmed limbs that allow them to walk underneath the trees will do well to beware being hit by one of these pods. They are known to put dents in cars! Similarly, in some climate zones during the spring and early summer months, they will drop many dried brown leaves, which leave big messes in the yards below. While the tree is never fully devoid of leaves, it does look a little plucked at that time.

Of course, if you have a younger Magnolia, you will want to work extra hard at keeping it looking attractive in the non-blooming months. A full-grown Magnolia will remain attractive no matter what, but the younger specimens may not fare so well. Here are some tips and tricks to keep that tree looking and feeling healthy during the non-blooming months:

• Counteract dry spells. A regular watering schedule is a must for a new tree, and while it is easy to assume that the tree with its roots has plenty of access to underground water pockets and sources, nothing could be further from the truth! Young trees rely on the surface water for much of their watering needs.
• The same is true for nutrients. Do not let the soil be the only source of nutrition for your tree! As a matter of fact, some nurseries will suggest that you fertilize your new Magnolia every month! In case of a doubt, go ahead and speak to your local nursery, and bring leaf samples if you are concerned that perhaps your tree is not getting enough nutrients.
• Depending on the age of your tree, the non-blooming months may extend to non-blooming years. Some trees take two to four years to establish themselves in the soil and to channel their energy to producing blooms. Do not give up your watering and fertilizing regimen and continue to ensure that your tree has all its needs met.
• If you have a fairly mature tree, you may wish to inspect it regularly for dead branches and trim them back to stimulate more growth. If you do not feel comfortable doing so, a professional arborist should be consulted to send out someone to do the work for you. A large accumulation of dead branches is not only unsightly, but may also be detrimental to the well-being of your tree.

As anyone who has ever beheld the breath-taking beauty and southern charm of a street filled with flowering Magnolia trees will tell you, they are a sight that is not quickly forgotten. Their blooms are perfection, and the trees’ natural beauty is second to none. While the more mature trees will hold on to this beauty in the non-blooming months, the immature ones will need your helping hand to remain healthy and attractive looking, and only a few simple steps will ensure that they will receive what they so desperately need. So go ahead and take care of your Magnolia!