Selwyn Times: August 04, 2021

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Wednesday August 4 2021 Selwyn Times
GARDENING 35
Formidable task choosing magnolias
LATE WINTER is the season
when deciduous magnolias are at
their best.
August seems to force these
gorgeous flowers to open in a
rush. The breathtaking sight
of the large, tulip-like blooms
perching on bare branches can
send passers-by rushing to
the nursery to buy something
similar.
There are dozens of magnolia
varieties, and making a choice
can be a formidable task.
The names are confusing
so it’s usually easiest to forget
nomenclature and just go
for the flower you like most
(remembering, of course, to
check the ultimate height on the
label).
Most grow into small trees but,
if space is tight, look for one of
the shrub-sized star magnolias.
Because magnolias come from
cool climates with rich, moistureholding
soil, keeping them
happy through hot New Zealand
summers can be a challenge. It’s
important to take the opportunity
to improve the soil as much
as possible before planting.
Choose a spot that gets at least
half a day’s sun and is protected
from strong winds.
Start by clearing grass or
ground-covering plants from
an area about 1m across, then
dig plenty of manure or good
compost and some longlasting
CHOICES: Magnolias will add plenty of colour to your
garden. They don’t like a lot of heat so plant in moistureholding
soil.
fertiliser into the soil.
Because magnolias hate
being dry, it can also be helpful to
add some water-storing crystals
into the planting area. Create
a planting hole that’s about
twice the size of the pot and
approximately the same depth.
Take the plant out of the pot
with care (magnolias hate root
disturbance) and sit it into the
planting hole. Backfill, then water
well to settle everything into
place.
Lastly, spread a layer of organic
mulch. This will keep the soil
moist and stop competitive grass
from growing back over the root
area.
Once the magnolia is well
established you can plant some
bulbs around the base to add
extra interest in late winter and
spring.
Garden
In the
with intelligro
Rose Pruning
Winter gardening certainly slows
down a bit, but now is the perfect
time to get busy with rose pruning
and mulching.
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GardEn wadErS
Plants that like wet feet
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Roses are forgiving easy to grow plants that
enjoy and appreciate an annual prune. The aim
of rose pruning is to maintain a good even shape
and to keep the rose bushes healthy and at a
manageable size. Here are some of the benefits
of pruning:
Reduces and maintains the size of the plant
and keeps those thorny branches contained
and away from paths and walkways
Allows more sunlight and air circulation into
the centre of the plant, this promotes vigour
(more flowers) and improves resistance to
attack from pests and disease.
QUICK GUIDE
Remove about a third of the plant each year aiming
to open up the centre of the plant. Cut out any
weak or old stems. Fresh new growth will appear in
the spring.
We recommend you prune on a clear dry day,
remove all the cut branches, and rake away any
leaves that are left behind. Once done, complete
the task by spraying with a winter clean up spray
to kill any over wintering bugs and diseases. And
remember to always use sharp loppers or secateurs
for a clean cut.
After pruning, apply a thick layer of Intelligro mulch,
this will keep the area weed free, protect the soil
and plant’s root system, and complete a neat and
tidy look.
Winter Opening Hours:
Monday – Saturday: 8.00am – 5.00pm
Sunday: 9.00am – 4.00pm
/igro.co.nz /intelligro_nz
261 Manion Road, Weedons 7677 | P: 03 347 9012 | E: info@igro.co.nz