Sad looking magnolia

[Boogiewoogietoo]

Planted this magnolia in the winter, and sadly it now looks like it’s struggling. My neighbours’ magnolias have been in full flower for a week or more.

Is there anything I can do to help it?

Magnolias don't like being moved and can take a long time to flower. I planted one three years ago and I'm still waiting for it to flower. I think I read somewhere it can take up to ten years!

Thanks Twixes, that’s good to know. But even the leaves look withered and unhappy - could that be down to being moved and are they likely to improve?

It does look poorly, the leaves should be showing by now unless you’re in the far north. Give it a good water and a good feed (Fork in some controlled release fertiliser sound the base ideally but with whatever you have otherwise) If you think it might be dead, scrape back the bark on a branch; if it’s green underneath just give it a bit more time. If it’s brown it’s bad news. Good luck!

Mine took 10 years. Then I neglected it last year (it was in a big pot) and it died. Magnolias can be tricky!! I have a Susan now. She's looking quite healthy. Not too many flowers though last year. High hopes for this one!

It’s just late to get going. I planted one in the autumn and the buds haven’t burst yet. Make sure it’s getting enough water - if you’re in the south east like me it has been too dry for newly planted trees. They need a LOT of water while they are establishing.