Should I Cover My Magnolia Tree in Winter?

Caring for plants is one of the most rewarding hobbies a person could ever keep. We’ve said it before and we’ll say it again – nature is the gift that gives back. Whether you’re a veteran gardener, a self proclaimed plant parent, or you’re a newly converted plant enthusiast, we’re here to help you (and your plants) thrive.

Wintertime is a scary season for a lot of plant lovers. It’s cold, it’s dark, and it’s windy. Just like us, your trees behave differently during these conditions, so they have different care requirements.

Our specialty as a company is in tree cultivation – starting with magnolias. So we’re going in depth on everything you need to know about caring for your Magnolia tree in the winter. Most of the information here also applies to other kinds of trees as well, so you can give your whole garden the love it deserves!

Because they’re one of the oldest types of tree on earth, magnolias have evolved so many species. No matter what species you’re working with, trees can be separated into two main categories: deciduous and evergreen.

If you’re new to plant terminology, here’s the breakdown: evergreen trees do exactly what the label says – they stay green. Always. No matter the season, they keep verdant leaves on their branches. Trees like cedars, firs, and other popular Christmas trees are perfect examples. The Southern Magnolia, or Magnolia Grandiflora, is also an evergreen.

Deciduous trees are the trees you think of when you imagine a beautiful fall forest. These trees cyclically shed their foliage when temperatures cool in an effort to conserve their energy and nutrient resources during the winter. The leaves change color as the leaves cease their photosynthesis process, and then they drop. When spring comes, the greenery regrows as nutrients and other resources are available again with warmer temperatures. Oaks and maples are common examples of deciduous trees. Star Magnolia, Saucer Magnolia, and Magnolia Ann’s are all deciduous varieties of magnolia, too.

Even though deciduous and evergreen varieties of magnolia have similar requirements during the winter, you can expect to see slightly different behaviors from each type.

For deciduous varieties, good news! You really don’t need to do much for them. Once the tree drops its foliage, it’s in energy conservation mode – almost like the hibernation phase some animals experience. Trees lose energy and water through their leaves. If the tree has no leaves, its water retention is excellent. Because of this, it’s a good idea to reduce the amount of water you give the tree pretty drastically here.

Evergreen magnolias also prefer less water during the winter. It’s normal to see some yellowing of the leaves, so keep in mind that it’s just the tree conserving energy. Evergreen trees do drop leaves periodically to make room for new, healthy growth. Seasonal yellowing and some dropping is healthy and completely non-threatening to the tree. During these colder and shorter days, magnolias will not grow new shoots and leaves, but will continue to grow roots.

The Number One Mistake Growers Make: Overwatering

If your magnolia (deciduous or evergreen) is planted in the ground, the water it gets from seasonal rains and snows is more than sufficient. In other words, don’t turn on the sprinklers. Your tree’s root mass is hard at work, continuing to grow below the surface to obtain more water and energy, even if you don’t see branch growth.

If you haven’t seen any rainfall or snowfall in about three weeks, sure, give your tree a drink. Otherwise, leave it alone.

A special note: if your magnolia tree isn’t established – meaning it’s not planted in the ground and you’re keeping it in a container – you still need to reduce its water consumption. However, you’ll need to be mindful of how often you water it. As always, use the finger test. Bone dry soil needs a splash of water. If the soil is damp to the touch, put the watering can down.

Again, watering your magnolia in the winter about once every three weeks should be sufficient if your tree isn’t getting any natural precipitation (snow counts!).

It’s easy to forget, but plants can get too cold. The best gardeners check out the USDA’s Plant Hardiness Map so they know exactly how tolerant their leafy friends are during the winter months.

Container-planted/non established plants are the easiest to manage in the winter. Simply move them into a garage, porch, or indoors altogether. They’ll be happiest by a sunny window. We especially recommend this placement for young, small Southern Magnolias and for citrus trees.

Keeping established trees warm during the winter requires a little more creativity. Frankly, if it’s a tree, it’s going to be difficult to cover. We recommend wrapping the trunk all the way down to the ground with a thick blanket or some other form of insulation. A sheet or tarp over smaller trees’ branches goes a long way towards keeping it warm, too.

Depending on the layout of your yard, consider giving your tree its own heat source. This may look like growing the tree in a side yard, next to your home’s HVAC unit or water heater. A lot of southern folks choose to plant their magnolias in a sheltered location, like a side yard, so the tree is shielded from harsh winter winds.

It’s important that you do everything you can to prevent your magnolia tree from getting frostbite. If the plant survives, the dead branches need to be removed and pruned back before the tree puts out again.

How Do I Protect My Magnolia Tree In The Winter? – LearnToDIY360.com

FAQ

Will frost hurt a magnolia tree?

• Blossoms and Buds:

  Open magnolia flowers can quickly turn brown when exposed to temperatures below 30°F (0°C). Frost can also damage flower buds, causing them to die before they open. 

• Foliage:

  While magnolias are generally cold-hardy, frost can cause damage to their foliage, particularly in evergreen varieties. Look for symptoms like browning, wilting, and drooping branches. 

• Winter Protection:

  To protect magnolias from frost damage, especially in colder climates, consider wrapping the trunk and branches with blankets or burlap. Mulching the root ball and planting near a warm wall can also provide some protection. 

• Choosing the Right Variety:

  Some magnolia varieties, like those that bloom later in the season, may be less susceptible to frost damage. 

• Post-Frost Care:

  If frost damage does occur, prune any damaged areas to encourage new growth and improve the tree’s health. Applying a balanced fertilizer can also help the tree recover, according to Greg App. 

Do I need to cover my magnolia?

If you live in a cold climate, you will want to protect your magnolia from winter injury. You can do this by wrapping the trunk of the shrub in burlap or some other material that will protect it from cold temperatures.

What temperature can magnolias tolerate?

• Ideal Temperature Range:

  Magnolias generally prefer temperatures between 15°C to 30°C (59°F to 86°F) for optimal growth and flowering. 

• Cold Tolerance:

  Different magnolia varieties have varying cold tolerances. Some can withstand temperatures as low as -30°F (-34°C), while others may be damaged below 20°F (-7°C). 

• Heat Tolerance:

  While magnolias can handle warm temperatures, prolonged exposure to temperatures above 90°F (32°C) can cause heat stress, leading to leaf curling, browning, and reduced growth. 

• Frost Damage:

  Unexpected frost or late spring freezes can damage magnolia buds and flowers, especially in northern climates. 

• Varietal Differences:

  For example, the Southern Magnolia (Magnolia grandiflora) tends to be more heat-tolerant and thrives in warmer climates, while the Star Magnolia (Magnolia stellata) is more cold-hardy and suitable for colder regions. 

• Protection from Cold:

  During cold snaps, wrapping the trunk and branches with blankets or burlap and mulching the root ball can help protect the tree from frost damage. 

• Protection from Heat:

  Providing shade during the hottest part of the day and maintaining adequate moisture can help alleviate heat stress.