AusBonsai

I recently picked up a fair size 'Michelia Figo' Magnolia at a local Flower Power nursery for a steal, with the intention to experiment with it. I have read that the best time to 'hack it' so to speak is just after it flowers in mid spring to early summer. Apparently 90% of yearly growth is in the 6-8 weeks after flowering.

Has anyone had any experience with magnolias, and if so have any advice? Or has anyone tried and failed?

Just looking for a heads up

G'day Russ,

I started a magnolia project a couple of years ago, mine a deciduous variety taken from a garden here in Canberra. I grow it in full sun, give it plenty of water and keep the fertiliser up to it. I dont have a recent pic, but here is are some old ones - the tree still has alot of styling required, but it looks great in flower.

International Bonsai Magazine put out an issue dedicated to magnolia a few issues back, it had some awesome magnolia as bonsai, I can order a copy in for you if you want.
Cheers,
Leigh.

Is that you in the Pic?

That's my sort of sized tree, Good pot too.
How did it respond to collection? Did it take time to regain vigor?

Oh and damn, I better buy a large.... erm HUGE trailer... Im going to need the room judging by those back trays...

Hey Ben,

No - thats a mate of mine - he helped me get it into the pot. I have been using a forklift to move it around. It is due for repotting in August, will have to get a block and tackle.

The tree recovered instantly - it flowered profusely a couple of months after digging it. It is a fast grower, but needs lots of water and fertiliser.

Cheers,
Leigh.

Hi Leigh, I remember when you did this and posted on your forum, have you any recent photos to share? Would love to see what you did by way of styling.

Jon

Oh d I admire people who work with big trees [ie - larger than two hand carry]. Just wait, just wait... you all get old and not everyone has a forklift around the place. But the Mag does look good. Mind you, it's even too big for my garden.... but not everyone lives inner city.

Hey Jon - thanks.

Yes, I shall get me camra out for some more photies. Ben will prolly take some pics when he helps me repot it too.

Thanks Mela, yes I need to find a spot for it and stop changing my mind!! Like rearranging the furniture!

Cheers,
Leigh.

Hey Leigh,

Any chance of seeing what this monster looks like now. And pics of repotting, that would have been a fun job, especially if you did it alone!

I have been offered a huge stellata and cant wait for late winter so i can dig it up. I am guessing it will be the same as yours, need lots of food & water. Any other tips you care to share would be great as well.

Matt

Edit: on what i have just been reading, what I have been offered might be a Michelia doltsopa ( I havent seen it yet & they have only just moved in so didnt see it bare or leaved during winter) stellata are only smallish trees the doltsopa can get alot bigger and this is BIG apparently)

I hope the OP, Russ, has topic subscription turned on because I would like to know how he went with his Michelia figo.

http://www.warners.com.au/Michelia-figo


Blackie.