Honest review: Magnolia is rewarding but honey fungus affecting roots especially on stressed trees is real

Magnolia is a genuinely satisfying plant to grow, but I want to be upfront about one thing: honey fungus affecting roots especially on stressed trees. I've dealt with it twice now and it takes consistent attention to manage.

Beyond that, multi-decade investment that improves year on year makes it one of my favourites in the collection. I keep it in a boundary or avenue planting in a larger space which suits it well. Learning about staking correctly with a low stake to allow the trunk to flex and strengthen has been essential. autumn colour and fruit or berry display is worth waiting for — the plant really justifies itself then. Four stars because of that persistent issue.