Magnolias prefer a rich, organic, well-drained soil, Goodspeed explains. They grow best in an acidic to neutral soil, but a few varieties tolerate Utah s alkaline soils. When planting a magnolia, find a protected area where the soil drains. Keep the plant mulched with organic matter to improve the soil and its acidity. They can be grown in full sun but prefer partial shade.
Most magnolias do best with deep, infrequent watering.
They do not tolerate wet soil or high water tables. One problem with magnolias in northern Utah is their susceptibility to late frosts, he says. If a plant in full bloom is hit by freezing temperatures, the flowers turn brown or black and die. Severely cold winters also damage or kill the flower buds before they ever open. The most popular magnolias are the saucer and star, with a few hybrids slowly finding their way into the market, Goodspeed says.