Q.Magnolias
I have a little magnolia tree that I bought last year. It has grown a little in that year, but with difficulty. It tried to flower, but the flowers didn’t come out properly. Now I notice that the leaves are starting to go black on the tips and shrivelling. Can you tell me what is wrong with it and what I can do for it? Maybe there are nutrients it needs and I haven’t given to it. I do look after my trees, and I don’t want to lose it.
Certified GKH Gardening Expert
Black or brown tips usually indicate a watering issue. This means that either the plant is not getting the water it needs from its environment or something is restricting the water it can take up through its roots. Try increasing watering in the spring (as the tree will be going dormant now and will not need or want extra water). Also, check the roots to make sure that there is no disease or pests attacking them. A treatment with phosphorous (bone meal) may also help the tree develop its roots better and improve how much water it can take up.
