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Lily Magnolia problem

r.bourke.8OoraZOVSr.bourke.8OoraZOVS Posts: 28
in Problem solving
Hi, 
our lily magnolia has spent its first few months in a pot over summer. The leaves started to turn brown over the summer which I put down to the pot drying out. I’ve since transferred it to the garden to prevent it drying out so much. The plant is still growing well but the brown leaves seem to follow up after the healthy new growth. its growing a lot so it can’t all be bad. What am I missing? 
Thanks 

Posts

  • FairygirlFairygirl Posts: 55,117
    Unless it was well watered before planting, and also afterwards, there's a good chance the roots are not making their way out into the soil.
    A big magnolia like that would need a large amount of water after planting to get it established, even without being in a pot for months and being dried out. 
    Keep it really well watered until you have good, regular rainfall in autumn. That's by the bucket when you water, not a dribble. The water has to get right down into the ground, to encourage the roots to do the same. A good mulch of more compost or bark after the ground is well dampened will help retain moisture too  :)
    It's very near the fence too - which isn't great. 
    It's a place where beautiful isn't enough of a word....



    I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
  • r.bourke.8OoraZOVSr.bourke.8OoraZOVS Posts: 28
    Thank you, it’s about a foot away from the fence. Do you think my best bet would be to lift out the plant, soak the rootball (wasn’t done the first time around) replant further from the fence and drench in water again (was done the first time). The water well into autumn rain?
    It’s the only plant that hasn’t taken well so I’m determined to get it going  :) 
  • FairygirlFairygirl Posts: 55,117
    If it's not been in there long, it's worth lifting it, but be sure to thoroughly soak it first, and get plenty of rootball. If you have enough room there to give it an extra foot or two, that will ultimately be much better for it.  :)

    It's really easy to underestimate how much watering larger specimens need, especially when planted in drier, hotter months.  I'm always very aware that many areas of the UK don't get the rainfall we get here, and lack of water is one of the biggest problems growers face in many parts of the UK, and it's been a bigger problem in the last few years. Some work  now will pay dividends later  :)
    It's a place where beautiful isn't enough of a word....



    I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
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