Weeping pussy willow and magnolia leaves not looking healthy

[Rebelwithallthecause]

Is this just because they start to lose their leaves this time of year or do they look unhealthy?

Both plants have looked brilliant up until now and were both new this year in new pots and fresh new compost

Willows always seem to do that, they don't age gracefully. Nothing to worry about with the magnolia leaves either.

Thank you 🙏🏻
Will either of them be better in the ground?

Neither are evergreen so will lose their leaves in the autumn. Have a look and see if you have any new buds on the branches. That should tell you they are ok.

They'd both prefer to be in the ground. The Magnolia in particular looks not to have enough soil to support the top growth long term. From the plant's point of view the only reason to be in a pot is to avoid competition from other plants if it's very tiny and delicate, or to allow you to provide the conditions it needs, eg acid rather than alkaline soil, or protection from low temperatures.

I thought magnolias needed ericaceous soil anyway? You can add liquid or powder sulphate of iron to up the acid, and also coffee grounds if you have them.

I thought magnolias needed ericaceous soil anyway? Most are perfectly OK in neutral soil. Some species don't like alkaline soil but some species are OK with it.

I think it’s been planted in ericaceous (it was a gift)

(Please excuse the name change)