What Would Keep a Magnolia Tree From Blooming?
Magnolia is an ancient genus with 210 species of plants, all of which showcase waxy, white flowers. The magnolia tree is native to both North America and Asia, and is a popular garden plant despite the occasional difficulty in cultivating its blossoms. Does this Spark an idea?
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Seeds
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Common woods magnolias can take 15 years or more to start flowering if grown from seed. A tree purchased from a discount chain store or a discount nursery might leave you with no other option than to wait. However, buying a magnolia species such as Little Gem should give you blossoms in as few as two years.
Acclimation
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It takes magnolia trees several years to get used to a new environment. Until your plant has acclimated to your soil, weather and growing conditions, it probably won't be able to bloom.
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Sun
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Magnolias need a lot of direct sunlight. If your magnolia is growing in partial shade, that may be the cause of its reluctance to flower. Young magnolia trees with thin trunks may be moved, carefully, to a new, sunnier location.
Water
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Too much water can aggravate the sensitive roots of a magnolia tree, which dislike having "wet feet." Aim for moist soil, not sopping wet.
Fertilizer
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The ideal soil for a magnolia tree is well drained and slightly acidic. Using a liquid, acidic fertilizer on new magnolias for the first few years should increase your chance of having a healthy, flowering tree.
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References
- Photo Credit Image by Flickr.com, courtesy of rachfog
