Southern magnolia flowers turn brown

Question

Southern magnolia had beautiful flowers for 1st time this year & lots of them, but only last 2 days then turn brown & drop off. Is this short flowering time common? It was planted 4 yrs ago in Wichita KS and gets lots of sun. I notice there are a large number of toadstools circling it???

Answer 1

Without seeing the mushroom in question, it would be very difficult to know if it was the cause. Mushrooms can have beneficial relationships with trees, no relationship, or parasitic relationship, so knowing the exact type will be necessary to know if it is causing any damage to your trees.

Wet weather can cause fungal infections, which can be the case if you have had more rain that usual, or if the tree was kept too moist upon planting. You can use a 1/2 cup of DOLOMITIC LIME and a tablespoon of WETTABLE SULFUR to kill off infections, and once per year to prevent them.

You may also resort to spray fungicides. This article will help: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/garden-how-to/info/using-fungicides-in-garden.htm

This article will give you more information on Magnolia care: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/trees/magnolia/magnolia-tree-care.htm