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- Q.Teddy Bear Magnolia Trouble - Hi there. I have a teddy bear magnolia that is looking terrible. The leaves are shrivelled and brown and any ...
- Q.Where Do Magnolia’s Originate From. - Which country were Magnolia's originally discovered?
- Q.Magnolia Stellata Looks Sick. - Branches look pale and very few weak flowers
- Q.Magnolia Teddy Bear – Root System - Hi, I have a Magnolia - Teddy Bear Tree approx six metres high ( hopefully it has reached maturity ) ...
- Q.Sparse Magnolia - My young magnolia looks scruffy to me. Is there something I need to do to help this tree, please?
Asked by
Anonymous on
October 19, 2024Q.Teddy Bear Magnolia Trouble
Hi there. I have a teddy bear magnolia that is looking terrible. The leaves are shrivelled and brown and any new green ones are breaking away. Some of the stems/branches are green and others a dead/dry looking texture. We definitely over pruned it but surely that has not caused it to be in such bad shape. This tree has great sentimental importance to us so any advice would be great. Also, we live in Sydney Australia and the tree is in the sun most of the day. Thank you so much!!
Answered by
GKH_Susan on
October 19, 2024
Certified ExpertA.It needs acidic, well drained, nutrient rich soil. If you can, it would do better planted in the yard in full to part sun. Or at least in a larger container with acidic soil. Also, be sure to discard any leaves that fall to help prevent fungal spots next year. Pruning more than 1/3 of a tree at a time can be detrimental. Here is more on its care that should help:
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/trees/magnolia/magnolia-evergreen-varieties.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/trees/magnolia/pruning-magnolia-trees.htm
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- Asked by
Anonymous on
March 25, 2025Q.Where Do Magnolia’s Originate From.
Which country were Magnolia's originally discovered?
- Answered by
GKH_Susan on
March 28, 2025
Certified ExpertA.Magnolia species are native to several regions - eastern North America, Central America, and Asia. Here is more:
https://arboretum.harvard.edu/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/tree-of-the-month-magnolias.pdf
Was this answer useful?00 - Asked by
felis.rose on
March 28, 2025
South west EnglandQ.Magnolia Stellata Looks Sick.
Branches look pale and very few weak flowers
- Answered by
BushDoctor on
March 28, 2025
Certified ExpertA.They likely need feeding! I'd test the soil for deficiencies and feed accordingly. You could add an all purpose, but this isn't the best way to go about it. Just add what you need, and not what you don't. I notice the ground is a little yellow and more bare directly around the trees. I don't know if this is due to weed removal (We call it a weed-eater here), but if not, then it can be an indication of deficiency.
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/garden-how-to/soil-fertilizers/testing-soil.htm
Once you get the soil corrected, you will simply care for it properly. This will give you more insight to its care, though it doesn't require much:
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/trees/magnolia/caring-for-star-magnolia-trees.htm
Was this answer useful?00 - Asked by
Anonymous on
April 21, 2025Q.Magnolia Teddy Bear – Root System
Hi, I have a Magnolia - Teddy Bear Tree approx six metres high ( hopefully it has reached maturity ) I is situated approx one metre from a brick retaining wall The wall is approx two and a half metres high and approx twenty cm thick. Having said all this- is the root system of a Magnolia Teddy Bear considered invasive ? In my situation do you think i have any concerns moving forward regarding the root system damaging the retaining wall ? The Magnolia was planted approx five years ago. I would appreciate your advise. Thank you Regards.
- Answered by
GKH_Susan on
April 23, 2025
Certified ExpertA.That is close to a structure for any tree to be planted, and Southern magnolias are known for their horizontal, rope-like roots. If planted near the house, plumbing pipes could be an issue. However, 'Teddy Bear' is a much smaller variety of magnolia. I did see in one reference that the chance of root damage was low. Another reference even suggested planting in front of retaining walls and fences, so it should be okay. Here is more:
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/trees/magnolia/are-magnolia-roots-invasive.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/trees/magnolia/magnolia-evergreen-varieties.htm
Was this answer useful?00 - Asked by
DeniseDupero on
May 9, 2025
33573Q.Sparse Magnolia
My young magnolia looks scruffy to me. Is there something I need to do to help this tree, please?
- Answered by
BushDoctor on
May 9, 2025
Certified ExpertA.I notice that the grass around it is quite green. I'd test the soil for too much nutrients. It looks like nutrient burn. IF it gets watered more than other spots, I'd test for oversaturation. This could suffocate the roots. Either way, a soil test should give you a good starting point.
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/garden-how-to/soil-fertilizers/testing-soil.htm
This collection of articles may give you more information on magnolia trees:
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