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New gardener - why is my magnolia sad?

thebobshousethebobshouse Posts: 5
in Problem solving
I planted my little Magnolia Susan in spring. Initially she was happy and flowered more - but in the last couple of months has looked less and less happy. Thinking it might be powdery mildew, I sprayed her a couple of times with a 'natural' spray - and when no improvement was seen (against my preference) I gave a good treat with Rose Clear Ultra based on some advice from a friend. Sadly, she still looks unhappy, with leaves as below, which eventually yellow and drop away. I am very new to this - what should I do? She has emotional and sentimental value so I don't want her to die! 

Posts

  • amancalledgeorgeamancalledgeorge Posts: 2,736
    It looks like mildew, usually a sign that a plant has gone a bit dry. Have been giving it a good deep watering a few times a week? Sprays are a way to deal with the symptoms, but it's more productive to try to eliminate the cause. 
    To Plant a Garden is to Believe in Tomorrow
  • FairygirlFairygirl Posts: 55,117
    Bearing in mind the very dry spring, and also summer in many areas, it's most likely lack of moisture if it's only been in a few months.
    They prefer a damper soil anyway, and need a lot of watering while establishing, so in the first few months, and through summer depending on the conditions, a good canful, or bucketful, every couple of days is needed. 
    Near a wall, where ground tends to be drier too, it's even more necessary to water thoroughly. A mulch after watering is also useful, especially through long dry spells. A thick layer of compost is fine.  :)
    It's a place where beautiful isn't enough of a word....



    I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
  • thebobshousethebobshouse Posts: 5
    Thank you both - possibly I have underwatered with the fear of over- watering! This is all a learning curve. I shall step up the watering. Fingers crossed... 😏
  • BobTheGardenerBobTheGardener Posts: 11,385
    Agree, they look like they have been drought-stressed.  I had a couple in pots which were planted out in March and looked similar but a regular deep watering has them looking much better now.
    A trowel in the hand is worth a thousand lost under a bush.
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