Overwintering Southern Gem Magnolias

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genevarose Jun 19, 2025

I live in 7a and just planted a hedge of Southern Gem Magnolias. I recognize there's a risk they won't thrive/survive but couldn't help myself.
I've researched and like the idea of insulating them overwinter by staking 18" away from the shrubs and around the entire hedge, wrapping with a double layer of burlap (fixed to the stakes with tie wraps), filling the entire enclosure to the top with dry leaves, then covering the top with another layer of burlap.
Wondering if anyone has experience with this method and whether I'm missing a step, or if another method would be better. Because the leaves inside the enclosure will get wet through the winter, I also wonder about the impact of the wet/frozen leaves on the shrubs.
Thanks for all thoughts.

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growin Beautiful, BC(Zone 8b) Jul 11, 2025

You're on the right track. Bubble wrap works on my bananas fine. Where I am in the PNW, we get wet heavy snow which can break the tops off your Magnolias. I've been asked to fix people's trees a number of times when this happens. The cultivar, 'Victoria', handles snow-load much better than other cultivars. If you get light and dry snow, use a blower to get rid of snow. Maybe use plastic on the tops to prevent moisture from getting in there and causing problems with freezes.

This message was edited Jul 11, 2025 4:45 PM

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