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Black spots on Magnolia grandiflora

SophieKSophieK Posts: 244
edited April 2021 in Problem solving
I have a young evergreen Magnolia grandiflora (probably 3-4 years old) and the leaves are yellowing and showing black spots. Do you know what it is and how I could remedy the problem? (Trying not to freak out that it is dying)

Thank you in advance




Posts

  • jit2886H0kzxkADjit2886H0kzxkAD Posts: 1
    Hi Sophie, did you find a solution for this?
  • SophieKSophieK Posts: 244
    Alas I did not, but it happens every mid to late spring. I basically give more water and also some sequestered iron once or twice a week for a while and it seems to sort it out...
  • Cambridgerose12Cambridgerose12 Posts: 1,134
    There is a fungal disease that is prevalent in warmer climates. It seems not to be discussed here. I think it could be worth approaching the RHS for advice about this, especially as it would be sad if this has somehow been carried in from abroad by a nursery importing the species, and the disease were to spread through UK gardens in consequence. Though it may be latent in the soil and only appearing thanks to climate change and plant stress. 

  • bédébédé Posts: 3,095
    edited June 2023
    Evergreens are not forever green.  At this time of the year old leaves go brown and drop off my Magn. grand.  They approach this period  by looking just like yours.
     location: Surrey Hills, England, ex-woodland acidic sand.
    "Have nothing in your garden that you don't know to be useful, or believe to be beautiful."
  • SophieKSophieK Posts: 244
    Thank you all for your feedback. I reckon it is simply the annual shedding of old leaves but it is still still visible and impressive on a young tree.
  • bédébédé Posts: 3,095
    edited June 2023
    Small trees in a prominent postionmight benefit from tidying the dying leaves early.

    Has it flowered yet? Try to keep it at a height that is nose-level or below.  After some 40 years I have not yet found the best time to prune that doesn't prevent flowrs.
     location: Surrey Hills, England, ex-woodland acidic sand.
    "Have nothing in your garden that you don't know to be useful, or believe to be beautiful."
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