Why do my huge magnolia buds die before opening?

Question

Should not be budding now, mid-September, anyway. North facing in pot in front of house, protected from wind by hedge. Some Leaves mottled with black and some slightly mildewed or something white and floury. Keep getting new buds on this year old plant which grow large and pink but never flower. Go pale grey-brown on outside and fall apart. I think I got one flower last year, its first, which was fine. Can’t remember which month that was.

Answer 1

It sounds like fungal issues at work. Powdery mildew is the white floury stuff and it is caused by too much shade. The spots are from a different fungal infection. Clean up any leaf debris in the fall so as not to spread the fungal spores to next year. Botrytis blight, another fungal infection. could also be present. Read the information below to determine if that is what is causing the bud drop.

https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/plant-problems/disease/treating-botrytis-blight.htm

https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/trees/magnolia/magnolia-tree-diseases.htm

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