Expert: Tom Alonzo - 10/23/2009

Question
QUESTION: I planted the bush on the east side of the house 2 years ago.  It starts new growth and then begins to die.  Where should it be planted.

Thank you in advance,


Mary Ann Kelley

ANSWER: Hi Mary Ann,
Can you tell me your general location?
thx,
Tom

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Torrance, California 1/2 mile from the beach, very dewy in the morning and mostly mild humidity on most days.  Morning sun on bush

ANSWER: Hi Mary Ann,
Thanx for the additional information.  If this is a deciduous magnolia, one that loses its leaves every fall, it will benefit from some afternoon shade.  Otherwise, make sure it is watered once a week, deeply.  Side dress with composted cow manure in the spring.  Fertilize with fertilizers rated for flowering trees.  If it's one of the evergreen magnolias, full sun should be okay just make sure that it gets watered deeply, once a week and fertilized.  When I mentioned fertilizer, I would fertilize in the spring and in mid-summer.  When you said it begins to die, can you describe that process more please?  Did you look at the dead growth to see if there were pests or fungus?  I hope this helps.
Tom

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Very brown crunchy leaves.  I see no pests or fungus.  I believe now that the ground has no acid.  I put acidic food on it and am just waiting now.  It sounds as if the east side morning sun is okay.  Maybe not enoough water.  I will deep water 1x a week from now on.

Thank you so very much.
Mary Ann Kelley

Answer
Hi Mary Ann,
Brown crunchy leaves sounds like maybe not enough water.  Magnolias like a lot of moisture and Southern California, as you know, can be very dry.  Also, don't forget about side dressing with well-composted cow manure.  You can buy this at the DIY or discount store.  It has already decomposed and no longer smells bad but is very nutritious for plants.  I hope this helps.
Tom