Feature Tree Care FAQ – Magnolia, Crepe Myrtle & Olives
Frequently Asked Questions: Feature Trees
Care tips for statement trees suited to Brisbane & SEQ gardens.
Magnolia (‘Teddy Bear’)
- Sun/Soil: Full sun (>6H); rich, free-draining soil.
- Water: Deeply during establishment; consistent moisture in dry spells.
- Pruning: Light shape after flowering; avoid heavy summer cuts.
Crepe Myrtle (Lagerstroemia)
- Sun/Soil: Full sun; tolerates a range of soils if drained.
- Water: Moderate; drought-tolerant once established.
- Pruning: Remove crossing wood in winter; avoid “topping”.
Olive (Olea europaea)
- Sun/Soil: Full sun (>6H); very free-draining soil.
- Water: Infrequent, deep soaks; avoid waterlogging.
- Pruning: Light annual shape; thin canopy to improve airflow.
Feature Tree Comparison – Look, Use, Flowering & Water (Brisbane & SEQ)
| Tree | Look & Purpose | Flowering / Fruiting in Brisbane – extend & issues |
Establishment water (hot days)* [free-draining soil] |
Establishment water (hot days)* [free-draining soil] 100L stock |
Sun (hrs/day) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Magnolia ‘Teddy Bear’ | Evergreen, formal cone; glossy foliage; statement/entry tree, large pot feature, hedge/screen, avenue in formal designs. |
Extend: full sun, steady moisture, spring slow-release feed; avoid heavy pruning during bud set. Issues: bud drop in heat/dry wind, leaf yellowing on alkaline soils, scale/sooty mould—improve drainage & airflow. |
~5-10L/day |
~10-20L/day Aim to wet the entire rootball + surrounding backfill, then taper frequency as roots move out. Always skip or halve after significant rain. |
6–8+ (more sun = better bloom) |
| Crepe Myrtle (Lagerstroemia) | Deciduous summer colour; mottled bark; statement tree, seasonal avenue, entry feature (not evergreen screen). |
Extend: deadhead first flush for repeat bloom, full sun, balanced feed; winter prune correctly (no topping). Issues: poor bloom with low sun/excess N/wrong-time pruning; aphids/sooty mould. |
~5-10L/day |
~10-20L/day Aim to wet the entire rootball + surrounding backfill, then taper frequency as roots move out. Always skip or halve after significant rain. |
6-8+ (*+ for maximum flowering) |
| Olive (Olea europaea) | Evergreen, grey-green foliage; strong Mediterranean/coastal vibe; statement, formal pots/topiary, avenue; not a dense hedge. |
Extend: maintain even moisture, keep canopy open for light/airflow. Issues: Variable fruiting in SE QLD; not dependable as a fruiting tree, avoid high Nitrogen pre-bloom. |
~5-10L/day |
~10-20L/day Aim to wet the entire rootball + surrounding backfill, then taper frequency as roots move out. Always skip or halve after significant rain. |
6-8+ (loves hot, bright sites) |
*Volumes are typical establishment guides for hot spells in SEQ: apply as a deep, single daily soak for the first 4–6 weeks, then taper; skip/halve after rain; always ensure excellent drainage and mulch 5–7 cm. During Spring/Summer/Autumn in SE QLD daily watering likely required.
Tip: check moisture by hand 10cm below mulch—aim for cool, damp (not wet) soil; adjust volumes to soil type, slope, wind, and site heat.
General Feature Tree Tips
- Plant in autumn–winter; stake only if necessary and remove early.
- Mulch 5–7cm; keep off trunk; check ties quarterly.
- Use low-P native fertiliser for natives; balanced slow-release for exotics.
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