Magnolia not flowering past 2 years

Question

I have questions about my magnolia which is very old and very large. We purchased the property 2 years ago, and live in Central NY just south of Albany.
The first year it flowered very nicely. Last year, right as it was starting to flower there was a bad frost, and no flowers came. The flowering buds remained though, and did not fall off. The leaves were fine, no issue.
The dead flowering buds lasted through the winter this past winter, and are still there, so this spring again the tree did not flower. Also, the flowers are just starting to bloom now, which seems late to me, since my other trees on the property are much farther along.
Any ideas as to what needs to be done, is this a concern? I hope I don’t need to physically remove all the dead flower buds, because this is a tall tree, about 25’ + in height. No idea how I would do that…
Any suggestions would help, and thank you.

Answer 1

New growth should push off the old buds and blossoms.
Cold dips in temperatures often harm the buds of early spring blooming trees and shrubs.
Each spring bloom time can be effected by weather and weather trends. Though plants have an internal clock the temperatures, especially the ground temperatures will effect their wake up from dormancy.
Review the links below to help refresh you on the care needed for Star Magnolia.

https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/trees/magnolia/caring-for-star-magnolia-trees.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/trees/magnolia/magnolia-tree-care.htm