- 1). Choose and purchase ornamental plants. When deciding what to plant around a Southern magnolia tree, it is important to understand the climate that the plants in which the plants will grow. Not only will the ornamental plants be exposed to the same warm and damp conditions as the tree, but the trees are extremely large and do not allow much sunlight to filter through to the ground. The plants you choose to plant around magnolias should be shade or partial shade plants.
- 2). Spread top soil over the area in which you wish to plant. If you choose to plant in the existing soil, take care not to disturb the magnolia's roots as much as possible. Once planted, magnolias prefer to be left to their own devices. If possible, bring in dirt and plant on top of the root system to keep from disturbing it.
- 3). Plant the flowers in the soil and cover with top soil or existing soil. Space the flowers based on recommendations by your local greenhouse, usually 6-10 inches apart, and about a foot from the base of the tree. Flowers should be planted a foot or so away from the trunk to give the flowering plants enough room to spread their root systems and not be hampered by the tree's root system.
- 4). Water the newly planted flowers, being careful to moisten the soil but not saturating it. Water logging the roots tends to cause rot and will ultimately kill the tree. Well-drained, moist, nutrient rich soil works best.
- 5). Spread the mulch. Magnolias appreciate moist, organic rich soils just like the newly planted flowers. The mulch will also keep the soil at a somewhat constant temperature and help it to retain moisture.
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