magnolia in a pot

I'm thinking of getting a magnolia but I don't think I can plant it out as my soil isn't acidic enough (pH 7 - 7.5 - ish). Also I don't want it growing too big so having it in a pot seems like a solution. The thing tho is, small/young magnolias don't quite make the same impact as bigger ones, so would it be feasible to have a pot-grown magnolia of about 2 - 2.5 meters tall? If so, what size pot would it need?

OR, I could conceivably plant it in the garden, either in a buried container, or with a barrier round its root ball (both to help control soil acidity and to stop it growing over 2.5 metres). If I were to do that, what sort of a very cheap container could I use? Would something like a council recycling bin do? I have a couple spare ones sitting around (we got 2 sets of bins for whatever reason). Probably too small... how about a kids' paddling pool? Would the plastic be sturdy enough?

If I were to just put a barrier round the roots, how far would that need to be from the tree, how deep down and again, any suggestions on a very cheap material?

The varieties I'm looking at are M. denudata white (that one grows to 8-12 m so will certainly need to be restricted), Jade Lamp (that's meant to be small) and Red Lucky. Or if anyone can suggest a variety with medium or dark-green leaves, rather than light green, and cup-shaped white or white-and-pink flowers, that would be much appreciated!

 

Hi! I can't believe no one has responded to your post....... I have had a magnolia in a pot the last couple of years and it has done brilliantly! The variety is Susan which only grows to about 10' so is perfect for a pot. I have it in a pretty blue glazed pot but think I need to move it to a larger one (probably plastic) next spring. I am also looking at getting one called Genie which has the most GORGEOUS dark purple flowers! That would also go in a pot. It is a smaller growing variety as well. Here's a pic of my Susan. It's white on the inside and a nice pink on the outside and scented as well. I feed it ericaceous food and it's in acid compost and water it with rain water. Pretty easy to care for. Hope this helps you out!!

 

Oh thanks for that,
sorry I'm not mad on Susan as I prefer rounder/tulip-shaped flowers but some of the varieties I'm looking at are classed as dwarf so hopefully they should do as well in a pot as your Susan. You've deffo given me a hope as I would certainly prefer growing one in a pot ( with the added benefit of being able to move it into the garage when it's bare) than building root-restricting constructions in the soil!

 

I'm pot mad really and will try growing anything in them! I have 6 different trees in pots snd all seem happy enough. I think with proper care you can grow most stuff in pots. Good luck with yours and would love to see some pics!