Magnolia Tree?

Question

For the past couple years my Magnolia tree has only been blooming on one side and the blooms are very very small to what they should be. The tree looks healthy all the way around. I live in E. KY I think it is zone 6. Any suggestions on what might be wrong?

The tree is in full sun, no other trees around.

Answer 1

From the way your question is worded, it sounds like the tree is old enough that it has started blooming on an annual basis.

You don't mention if its a saucer or a star magnolia, but if the flowers have bloomed like they should in years before, that probably doesn't make a difference.

If nothing else has changed & the tree gets enough sun, think back to earlier last year when the tree first started to bloom. Did the weather warm up quickly & the blooms start to come out, then did you get a frost? If so, that could be what has caused the problem - especially if one side of the tree is more protected than the other. Is there a building blocking cold air flow on one side?

Another cause you can look into is if you've planted anything under or near the root system of the magnolia. It could be that more food/nutrients are needed. Magnolias like soil on the acidic side (around pH 6.0) that is pourous & drains well.

I had a saucer magnolia in western NY that I nursed back after the 1991 ice storm, so I know your pain. It took me 5 years of trying different things to bring that tree back. Now I've moved to NC & am renting while I look for a house. I really miss my gardening.

Answer 2

Could be the light. I've noticed the same thing in my neighbors yard. Blooms only on one side and I think it is because part of the tree is in shade. I'm not that familiar with magnolia, but the trees on campus in full sun bloom beautifully.

Answer 3

They need full sun.

I agree with answer one- is it shaded?