I've planted five magnolias over the last five years, but they seem to struggle after their first year. They thrived initially, but each subsequent year, the number of flowers drastically reduces. The soil in my garden is heavy clay, so we dug deep holes and filled them with special soil recommended for magnolias from a local garden school. Each spring, we add some acidic soil around them. The trees are planted at the same level as they were in their pots, and I water them during dry spells. They don't compete with other plants or grass, and I haven't fertilized them with anything apart from some fresh soil each year. I also haven't pruned them, except for one that's notably slow-growing and covered in lichen. Out of frustration, I'm wondering what we might be doing wrong, especially since everyone else in the neighborhood seems to have flourishing magnolias without special treatment. Do we have a killer touch with magnolias, or is there a solution to revitalize them?
3 Answers
Your magnolias might just need a bit more time to mature. Sometimes, they can take a while to settle in and start blooming nicely.
I suggest trying a foliar fertilizer. Just pop into a local gardening shop and ask for recommendations on the best types for magnolias. Different brands have different compositions, and they can give you advice on how to apply it, too!
First off, make sure your magnolias are getting enough sunlight because they really need it to flower. If your garden is a bit windy, that might not be helping either. Sometimes, a little sunlight can make a big difference!
Yeah, I think the wind might be a factor here too.
Thanks for the tip! I'll check it out! ?