I have a magnolia but not the space for it

Dedekind

Hello,

last year I planted a Magnolia Soulangena in the back of my garden, thinking it was a small bush. It turns out it's not -- I didn't know back then. I don't have the space for it to spread when mature, even though it will take many years, I'd rather not leave the problem for the future and try to save the plant now.

Question is, can it be grown in a container? Only other option is to give it away

Nanny Beach

Yes pot her up

bertrand-mabel

We have one that over its early years we had to move it around the garden until we found the "spot" it liked. When we found the spot it has thrived but never too big. This is now 30 years old.

It is now coming into flower and looks great.

We do prune it back and take out branches that are "getting" in the way.

Growing in a container...I don't think so.

Obelixx

I wouldn't have thought it's a good container plant either, if only because it will need watering frequently and with rain water, not tap.

This is what the RHS says about its size and spread - https://www.rhs.org.uk/plants/60020/magnolia-x-soulangeana/details-beta 

Maybe you need to think about finding a decent home for it where it can grow as it wants or else you're going to have to accept the need to prune it in summer to restrict its size and spread.   Have to say that the only shrub form I know is stellata and I've seen those get huge.  I know of a shrubby form called figo but it's not hardy in the UK and will get as big as stellata if happy, so 7 or 8 metres across.   

The only small magnolia trees I've seen are young ones, nowhere near maturity.

Joyce Goldenlily

Give it away, then it can happily grow to maturity without struggling for life and you will not feel guilty for torturing it.

debs64

I feel your pain, I have a stellata in a pot but it’s the only magnolia I believe will grow well in a container. I love soulangia but I think you need to find a grateful recipient and put in something more manageable