How to stop Teddy Bear Magnolia flowers going brown quickly?

rowiec

The flowers on my teddy bear magnolia go brown within 1 or 2 days of flowering. We have planted the magnolia in the ground about 1 year ago. It has some slow release fertiliser about 2 weeks ago. Are you able to tell me why the flowers are going brown so quickly?

EricL

Hello @rowiec 

Welcome to the Bunning s Workshop community. It's sensational to have you join us, and thanks for sharing your question about your Magnolia. 

It sounds like your Teddy Bear Magnolia is struggling with its flowers browning too quickly, which can be caused by a few different factors. Since it's been in the ground for about a year, it should be reasonably established, but magnolias can still be sensitive to environmental stress. One of the most common causes is heat or dry conditions, as magnolia flowers are quite delicate.

If the weather has been particularly hot or windy, the petals can dry out quickly, especially if the plant isn’t getting enough deep watering. Making sure the soil stays consistently moist but well-drained can help, and applying a thick layer of mulch, such as pine bark or sugar cane mulch from Bunnings, will keep the roots cool and reduce moisture loss.

Another possible reason could be fungal issues, especially if you notice spots or discoloration before the flowers brown. Excess humidity or overhead watering can sometimes encourage fungal growth, so it’s best to water at the base using a soaker hose rather than wetting the leaves and flowers. If you suspect a fungal problem, a spray like Yates Rose Shield or Mancozeb Plus from Bunnings can help protect the plant. 

Since you've recently applied slow-release fertiliser, it's unlikely to be a nutrient deficiency, but magnolias do respond well to a boost of liquid fertiliser like Seasol or PowerFeed to encourage healthy blooms. Keeping an eye on new growth and ensuring the tree is in the right balance of sun and shade will also help it thrive.

If you need further assistance, please let us know.

Eric