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Some plants take to the potted life more naturally than others. Little plants, like herbs or flowering bushes, adapt without a hitch. Larger plants, like shrubs and trees, might need a little more coaxing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Since we\u2019re The Magnolia Company, you can probably guess where we\u2019re headed with this one. Here\u2019s everything you need to know about growing potted magnolias<\/a>, from the basics to the expert practices!<\/p>\n\n\n\n We\u2019ve said it before (and we\u2019ll keep saying it) – if there\u2019s something we don\u2019t cover or a problem you run into, reach out to us via email or social media! We adore hearing from you, and we\u2019re always happy to help your green thumb grow.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Y-E-S!<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cQuite honestly, magnolias are easy to plant and care for in a container.\u201d says Magnolia Company Founder and professional plant nerd, Matt Roth.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Just like baking a cake to perfection, container growing is very much a recipe, and it\u2019s got four simple ingredients: the container, the potting media, the location, and the tree.<\/p>\n\n\n\n From massive 670 gallon containers capable of holding 25 foot tall trees to the typical home & garden patio pot, gardeners have quite the selection available to them these days.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The size of your tree is the biggest factor in determining the size of your pot. Small tree? Small pot. Big tree? Big pot. We like pots that are round, as opposed to tapered – round pots hold more soil, which means more root growth and thus, a bigger plant.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Don\u2019t stress too much about picking the perfect pot. You can always change and adapt as the plant grows over the next few years.<\/p>\n\n\n\n No need to be fancy here. A general tree and shrub potting mix that drains well from your local home improvement or gardening supply store will work just fine. Magnolias love drainage so we choose a soil that is coarse to allow water to run through.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Thanks to the extra space you left, you\u2019ll be less prone to spills when you water the plant. You also have the option of adding seasonal flowers to decorate your container!<\/p>\n\n\n\n The biggest advantage to potted plants: you have so much control and flexibility with their placement.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Magnolias love full sunlight during the spring and summer. Sunny spots are crucial to their health during spring, summer, and fall. Wintertime is more forgiving, and the tree is dormant. They can be moved to less lit areas. They can also endure cold temperatures as long as they stay above 0 degrees fahrenheit.<\/p>\n\n\n\n We recommend at least 4 hours of full sunlight each day<\/strong> for the happiest trees.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If you\u2019re keeping your potted magnolia on a porch, where it doesn\u2019t see as much direct sunlight, that\u2019s okay too! Julie and Matt keep potted magnolias on their shaded front porch year around. If your porch has reflective surfaces or is otherwise bright for the majority of the day, you can get away with less than 4 hours of direct sunlight.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Hot months mean sunlight and water, so don\u2019t be afraid to drench your pots with a garden hose (watering until excess runs out from the bottom) 2-3 times a week.<\/p>\n\n\n\n When it gets colder, reduce watering to once a week.<\/p>\n\n\n\n This is the fun part!<\/p>\n\n\n\n When picking out the variety to grow in a container, we like the ones that grow symmetrically. Varieties of magnolia that branch heavily and grow slowly always look fuller and more uniform.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Our professional picks are the Teddy Bear Magnolia (aka Southern Charm) and the Kay Parris Magnolia.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Slow growing and most compact of all magnolias, this tree sprouts thick, round leaves with a deep green front and coppery backing. It produces beautiful blooms, even when planted in a container.<\/p>\n\n\n\n As a regular resident of the front stoop in Julie & Matt\u2019s home, this tree is a personal favorite. This variety grows symmetrically and is incredibly easy to maintain as it boasts slender verdant foliage and ivory blooms. Smaller leaves with a rippled or ruffled edge contribute to its character.<\/p>\n\n\n\nFirst Things First: Can You Grow A Magnolia in a Pot?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Ingredient #1: The Container<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Ingredient #2: The Potting Media<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Ingredient #3: Location, Location, Location<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
![\"Magnolia](\"https:\/\/www.themagnoliacompany.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/magnolia-container.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nIngredient #4: The Tree!<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
The Teddy Bear Magnolia<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
The Kay Parris Magnolia<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Additional Potted Plant Care Tips<\/h2>\n\n\n\n