Why are the future berry cones disappearing from my sweetbay? This is year 3, it bloomed prolifically, but the “berry/seed cones” began disappearing when about 1/2” in size. Only one remains today. I rarely see squirrels and I thought the birds would wait for red berries?
Yes, this is a common occurrence! Here are some articles that will help you with this situation:
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/plant-problems/pests/animals/birds-eating-flowers.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/trees/magnolia/magnolia-tree-care.htm
It produced less flowers this year and the leaves are beginning to fall. Clearly they have a disease. Could you advise me on what it is and any treatment please. The tree is enormous so a spray gun is not possible. It gives us wonderful privacy so am very concerned we may lose it . Thank you in advance of any advice. Regards Sue
This can be common with wet soils, unfortunately. Fungal and bacterial infections in large trees can be treated with SYSTEMIC fungicides. These will be watered into the soil and taken up into the tree. It may help to keep any fallen leaves out of the area, as well.
These articles will help:
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/trees/magnolia/magnolia-tree-diseases.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/trees/magnolia/magnolia-tree-care.htm
I want one with fragrant flowers that will grow to about 20-30 ft tall
Here are the best magnolia trees for zone 5:
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/garden-how-to/gardening-by-zone/zone-5/zone-5-magnolia-trees.htm
Are the seeds edible? What stage is the fruit edible?
The fruit is the cone-like spherical structure that holds the brightly colored berries with the seeds inside. There are many varieties of magnolia but none are specified in your question. The most common is the magnolia below. Reputable sources did not say the fruit or seeds were poisonous, but rather, not very palatable. However, wildlife relish the berries and seeds. The berries are ripe when they are brightly colored (red for Southern magnolia, other varieties may be pink or orange).
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/trees/magnolia/propagating-magnolia-seeds.htm
https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/magnolia-grandiflora/
I have a deciduous saucer magnolia that bloomed beautifully about April 20th this year (first year the blooms lasted!) and as of first half of July, there are new buds. I'd like to do a 'hardish' prune but not sure when I'm able to. Thanks!
Typically, now until early fall is acceptable. It is worth noting that deciduous magnolias don't usually need pruning. This is only done to clean up any dying branches. This article will help:
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/trees/magnolia/pruning-magnolia-trees.htm
Hi I have a magnolia which looks dead however it has a few green shoots at the base. Should I leave it or should I prune it?
If your tree has no green inside, or does not have any "bend" to it and just snaps when you try, then you can cut any of this dead material away. I would leave anything living, alone. If the whole tree is dead, then let the new growth take over. If there appears to be growth on the original tree, then leave what is alive. You will get a better idea of what to cut by the spring. This collection of articles will give more information about magnolias:
would like blooms on my dwarf magnolia!
This can have several causes. Most usually, this will be due to alkaline soils, or not enough phosphorus and potassium, and too much nitrogen.
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/garden-how-to/soil-fertilizers/testing-soil.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/garden-how-to/soil-fertilizers/soil-ph-plants.htm