The habit varies slightly between cultivars with 'Ricki' being rather upright and 'Betty' more spreading or rounded. Planting and Maintenance Magnolias prefer a full sun location with well-drained soils. They are adaptable to soil types, even tolerating clay soils, but they insist on good drainage. Waterlogged soils often lead to an early demise. Spring planting of larger specimens is best as most root growth occurs in spring.
Magnolias are relatively pest and disease free.
On occasion, magnolia scale or mildew will attack a tree. These problems only warrant treatment in severe cases as they tend to be cyclic in nature. Contact your county extension office for treatment options if problems arise. Magnolias are considered one of the oldest families of flowering plants. They have survived on earth for thousands of years.