Why has my magnolia tree never bloomed?

Question

I planted my tree 3 years ago. It is a Southern Magnolia. It is about eight feet tall. It appears to be very healthy, but yet it has never bloomed. Can anyone tell me why?

Answer 1

Its male.

Answer 2

Full sun is best. But the bigger question is, how compact is the soil? Here in the southeast we have a problem with clay. You must dig a WIDE hole for the roots to spread. Have seen 10 yr old magnolias that were only 8 feet tall and did not bloom very well.
Try this if you can, cultivate around the roots so that water and nutrients can get down there. Then in fall, fertilize with Triple Super Phosphate. I have suggested this to people who had crape mytles that did not bloom and that did the trick.
Fert normally with a 6-12-12.

Answer 3

Is it getting full sun? If, other trees are shading it then that may be the problem.
The other would be the lack of something in the soil. I get confused on fertilizer, but, I think Nitrogen is for flowering. In the phone book blue pages. Under County Offices find "Cooperative Extension Office". They will send you some free information and if you need to take a soil sample then tell you how and give you a box. Last time I had a soil sample done it cost $5 I think.

This information was about all worth reading at the link, but, you can check it out.
The large, lustrous, evergreen foliage makes the Southern Magnolia a desirable ornamental plant. Its flowers are produced more abundantly in southern areas than in northern areas. Requires good soil drainage, and prefers acid soil. Leave a lot of space for the plant to develop.
http://www.treehelp.com/trees/magnolia/magnolia-types-southern.asp

Answer 4

You didn't tells where where in Canada you live and the magnolia variety. At first thought I'm wondering if it's too cold there and the buds/blossoms are freezing. But I realize Canada has various climates so can't say certain that's your problem. I might be the plant is still too young and hasn't strored enough carbohydrates to form flower buds.

Answer 5

aahh the smell of the marnolia grandiflora is wonderful. a friend of mine has one,it was about 7 years old before it bloomed. it is not in full sun,iguess that is why it is tall and lanky.it does take a lot of water and slighty acid soil,a small amount of fertillizer may help, but well worth it the smell covers his hole yard.

Answer 6

Has it been very cold this year?
It is late May and should bloom now.
Did it have buds.