Below the treetops, magnolias appear particularly bare, especially when they are not in bloom. You can easily change that by underplanting the magnolia. But beware! It only works with the right choice of plants.
True queens of the garden, magnolias claim most of the sunlight, nutrients, and water in the soil. If you want to plant your magnolia under, frugal and shade-tolerant companions are ideal.
The selection for the vegetable court ranges from robust ground covers such as ivy to magnificent flowering shrubs such as rhododendrons.
Plant magnolias carefully
» Do not damage the roots of the magnolia
Magnolias are flat-rooted. They form a tough network of roots in the upper layers of the earth.
Therefore, do not bring out any heavy artillery in the form of spades or even milling machines. Although they create space for companions in the ground, they damage the magnolia considerably by injuring its roots. If there is absolutely no root-free space near the trunk for larger companion plants, it is better to choose a location at the edge of the tree pit. Root penetration is significantly lower there.
» Mulch the tree disc extensively
Cover the soil under the magnolia with a layer of fresh compost or bark mulch before planting. They help the companions to get a nutritious start. If the sight doesn't bother you, you can also leave magnolia leaves that have fallen off in autumn and just roughly clean the companions of the leaves.
» Planting magnolias with ground covers
Small to medium-sized magnolia species such as star magnolias (Magnolia stellata) or tulip magnolias (Magnolia soulangiana) harmonize beautifully with groundcover plants and other low companions. Here is a small selection:
- Snowdrop
- Ivy
- Hostels
- Gransbill
- Small Periwinkle
- and Squill
These plants do well with the already rooted soil underneath the magnolia. A widespread vegetation withPlanting these plants offers additional advantages: the earth heats up less in summer and the water evaporates much more slowly.
» Plant magnolia with bushes
Mature representatives of large to very large species, such as umbrella magnolias (Magnolia tripetala) or cucumber magnolias (Magnolia acuminata), offer plenty of space under the canopy of their branches for another tier of plants. Bushes and shrubs that have their natural home in the forest and can compete with the magnolia are ideally suited as companions and additional eye-catchers.