Magnolia trees are hardy for flowering trees that grow in a wide range of climate zones. A mature magnolia is nearly indestructible, healing from all kinds of damage caused by pests and diseases that kill more delicate trees.
So, when your beloved magnolia starts looking faded and its leaves begin to yellow, it can be a cause for concern. There are a number of reasons that a magnolia’s leaves would change color. Some of them are a natural cycle in the life of the tree, while others are an indication that there is a problem.
Whatever the issue is, large or small, it’s always good to know what is going on. Addressing it early will allow you to correct the issue before it leads to more damage. It will also allow the tree the ability to begin repairing itself. Let’s talk about some of the predominant reasons that magnolia leaves turn yellow and see if we can’t help nurse that tree back to its original glory.
Deciduous magnolias naturally change color in the fall when the weather begins to cool. This color change is generally in the yellow/gold/bronze family. Leaves that are turning these colors are just reaching the end of their life, and the tree is going dormant.
The leaves will turn color and fall, and in the spring the tree will grow new, healthy leaves. When you see this starting to happen, there’s really no major cause for concern.
There’s nothing to fix in this event. While you may be concerned that your magnolia’s yellow leaves could be due to another issue, a good way to make this determination is to look for buds.
If your magnolia is losing leaves, but has formed buds and the buds look healthy, your tree should be just fine. If the buds are also looking damaged, you may have a more serious issue.
In evergreen magnolias, trees periodically drop leaves as the leaves reach the end of their lifespan and new growth is created. It is natural for magnolia leaves to yellow as the tree redirects nutrients to that newer growth.
This is also a common occurrence as the tree prepares to bloom. Nutrients are redirected to the growing buds and some of the older leaves will naturally lose their place.
Maintaining the right balance of nutrients and water will help keep your magnolia looking its best year-round. Fertilizing during the growing and blooming season will maintain the maximum amount of old and new growth.
Don’t panic if there is a leaf drop in the middle of the summer. Just be on the lookout for buds!
Poor soil quality is the number one factor in nutrient deficiency. Magnolias like soil with a decent amount of acidity. Soil that is too alkaline will inhibit the tree’s uptake of minerals such as zinc, iron, and manganese.
Acidic soil breaks down the nutrients that magnolias need to the extent that they are able to best absorb and utilize.
Most soil is not deficient in these minerals, but the tree can’t absorb them without the proper level of acidity to break them down. You can solve this problem by acidifying the soil. Adding organic matter to the soil is the most natural and long-term solution.
Pine mulch and needles work well, as well as fallen leaves from neighboring trees. Commercially available soil acidifiers, like elemental sulfur also serve this purpose.
If you know that your soil is adequately acidic, and your leaves are still looking undernourished, it may be time for some fertilizer.
Magnolias don’t need to be fertilized often, but they do benefit from some added nutrients, particularly during times of extreme water fluctuation. If there has been more rain than usual, or not enough, your magnolia could be having difficulty absorbing enough nutrients from the soil.
A nitrogen-heavy fertilizer three times per year will keep your magnolia flush with the extra nutrients that keep it looking green and healthy. But you should test your soil before you add nutrients to see if there could be another deficiency. Simply spread the fertilizer on the ground around the trunk and if there is no rain expected, water it in deeply.
Leaves are the first place that your magnolia will let you know it is thirsty. If the leaves are looking yellow and droopy, there’s a good chance your tree needs a long drink. The younger the tree, the more common you will encounter this issue. Mature magnolias are quite drought-tolerant.
Young magnolias need regular watering to help them establish roots. A shallow root system is a weak root system, so establishing roots is important.
Planting during the rainy season is a great way to help this along naturally. If you aren’t getting regular enough rain to keep the ground moist, watering twice a week is good for newly planted magnolias.
Place a hose at the base of the tree and allow it to run for until the water puddles, this should give the ground a good soaking.
Apart from ‘Green Shadow’ and maybe one or two other M. virginiana varieties, magnolias do not like soggy roots. Soggy roots open the tree up to fungal infections, which grouped together constitute root rot.
When root rot occurs, the first signs of a fungal infection in a magnolia will be yellow leaves. The leaves are the farthest part of the tree from the roots, and when the roots are damaged or not able to take in enough nutrients, the leaves are the first part of the tree to suffer.
Avoid planting magnolias in areas with poor drainage. Magnolias are versatile in the types of soil they tolerate, as long as they have good drainage.
If your magnolia is already established in a space that stays wet, avoid any additional watering. Make sure to fertilize adequately so that there are enough of those nutrients to go around. Lots of water means the nutrients in soil are diluted, which can make it difficult for a plant to absorb enough.
If you’ve noticed the leaves on your magnolia bush turning yellow it can be worrying. But in most cases it’s easily fixed and your bush will recover. Here’s a comprehensive guide to the common causes and solutions for yellowing leaves on magnolia bushes.
Understanding Magnolias
Magnolias are flowering bushes or trees with large, fragrant blooms that open in late winter or early spring. There are over 200 species, including evergreens like Southern magnolia and deciduous types like star magnolia.
Magnolias thrive in zones 4-9. They prefer partially shady spots with well-draining, acidic soil. Established magnolias are low maintenance and quite hardy. But younger bushes need more care until their root systems develop.
Reasons for Yellow Leaves on Magnolia Bushes
Here are the most common causes if your magnolia bush has yellowing leaves
Normal Seasonal Change
Deciduous magnolias naturally turn yellow in fall when going dormant. This is normal! As long as buds are present, the bush is fine.
Late or Early Frost
Frost can damage emerging magnolia leaves, especially on varieties that bloom early. Plant frost-resistant types or protect the bush.
Insufficient Watering
Underwatering causes leaves to yellow and wilt. Check soil moisture and water young magnolias 1-2 times per week for the first year.
Overwatering
Too much moisture suffocates roots, causing yellow leaves. Improve drainage and reduce watering on established bushes.
Excessive Sun
Too much hot sun causes faded, bleached leaves. Provide shade for young magnolias or plant large trees nearby.
Lack of Sunlight
Inadequate sunlight makes leaves pale and affects flowering. Prune any branches blocking light.
High Soil pH
Alkaline soil prevents nutrient uptake, mainly of iron, zinc, and manganese. Test and amend soil to a pH of 5.5-6.5.
Nutrient Deficiency
Lack of nitrogen typically causes yellowing. Fertilize with a balanced organic fertilizer to correct.
Root Rot
Fungal infections from overly moist soil lead to yellow leaves. Improve drainage and reduce watering.
Pests like Mites
Insects can damage leaves and affect plant health. Use horticultural oils or insecticidal soap sprays.
Solutions for Yellow Leaves on Magnolia
Now that we’ve covered the main causes, here are some useful solutions to restore your magnolia’s lush green foliage:
Check Soil Moisture
Examine if the soil is too dry or too wet. Adjust watering accordingly. Magnolias need moist but well-drained soil.
Test and Amend Soil
Use a pH tester. Add aluminum sulfate to lower pH if needed. Incorporate compost annually.
Fertilize Strategically
Apply balanced fertilizer in early spring and midsummer to correct nutrient deficiencies.
Prune Affected Areas
Remove damaged leaves or branches to improve air circulation and appearance.
Alter Light Exposure
Add shade if needed. Prune trees overhead to increase sunlight exposure.
Improve Drainage
Amend dense soil and avoid planting in low areas. Consider raised beds.
Treat Pests Naturally
Use horticultural oils and insecticidal soaps to control mites, aphids, etc.
Protect from Frost
Cover young magnolias overnight if late frost is expected using fabric covers.
Allow Time to Recover
Damaged leaves won’t recover but new healthy growth will emerge in time.
Preventing Future Leaf Yellowing
Here are some tips to keep your magnolia bush thriving and minimize leaf yellowing:
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Plant in a partially shaded spot protected from hot afternoon sun.
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Water 1-2 times per week for young magnolias, less for mature bushes.
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Mulch annually to retain moisture and even out soil temperature.
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Fertilize in early spring and midsummer with an organic balanced fertilizer.
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Prune selectively in late winter to shape and improve air circulation.
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Monitor for pests like spider mites and treat quickly if found.
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Protect from late frost damage which can cause leaf yellowing.
When to Worry About Yellow Leaves
As long as new growth is taking place, limited yellowing of old or inner leaves is normal. But if yellowing is extensive or spreading, it likely indicates a problem needing attention.
Seek expert advice if you notice:
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Yellowing across the entire bush, not just old leaves
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No new shoots and leaf buds emerging
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Leaf drop along with yellowing leaves
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Twig dieback on branches
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Dark discolored roots
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Mushroom growth at base of plant
These symptoms can point to serious root issues, disease, or severe environmental stress that requires diagnosis and solutions.
Enjoy the Majestic Magnolia
By understanding what causes magnolia leaf yellowing and how to fix it, you can continue enjoying the splendor of this beautiful flowering bush or tree. With proper care, magnolias can thrive for decades, lighting up the garden every spring with their welcoming blooms.
Reasons for Magnolia Trees with Yellowing Leaves
If you see yellow magnolia leaves on the tree in your backyard, don’t panic. It might not be very serious. In fact, it might be natural. Magnolias shed their old leaves all year – it’s part of their growth cycle, and the older magnolia leaves turn yellow and fall to the ground. Look carefully to determine whether new leaves are growing in to replace those yellow magnolia leaves. If so, you can relax. If not, continue troubleshooting. Another reason you might have a magnolia tree with yellowing leaves is soil acidity, or lack of it. Magnolias do best when the soil is neutral to slightly acidic. Buy a soil pH tester in the garden store. If your soil is alkaline (with a high pH), you may want to consider a transplant to another location or a soil amendment to raise the acidity. Poor irrigation is another reason you might have magnolia leaves turning yellow and brown. Too little water can cause drought stress, which results in yellowing leaves on magnolias. Too much water, or soil that doesn’t drain well, can drown the tree roots. This can also cause yellow magnolia leaves. Yellow magnolia leaves can also be a symptom of sunburn or insufficient light. Evaluate the tree’s placement and figure out if sunlight could be an issue. Generally, the trees prefer a growing site that gets good light. Sometimes an iron or other nutrient deficiency can result in yellowing leaves on magnolias. Get a thorough nutrient test done on your soil and figure out what the tree lacks. Buy and apply a fertilizer that offers the missing nutrient.
Late or Early Frosts
This issue applies mainly to deciduous varieties and is the number one issue that affects the flowers and new foliage of spring-blooming varieties.
When growing magnolias in colder climate zones (think zone 7 and north) there is always the possibility of a late frost. Many varieties bloom in late winter and early spring. They will sprout leaves around the same time, or very shortly thereafter.
If a magnolia blooms and leaves out before the last frost, you are likely to lose at least a portion of the flowers and foliage to cold damage.
Fortunately, there are hybrid varieties that have been bred specifically to combat this issue by blooming 2-4 weeks later than their parent plants. Planting a variety that has this characteristic is a great way to solve this issue.
If you have your heart set on a magnolia that hasn’t been bred for cold hardiness, it’s still possible to take some preventive measures.
Avoid planting with southern exposure, as southern exposure will encourage a tree out of dormancy earlier, by several weeks in some cases. Giving your magnolia some protection from cold winds is also a great idea if you want to avoid cold damage.
Southern magnolia trees shed dying, yellow leaves
FAQ
What does an overwatered magnolia look like?
️ Spotting Overwatering Symptoms
Yellowing leaves and a soggy stem scream ‘too much!’ . Brown spots with a yellow rim? Your tree’s waving a distress flag.
How much water does a magnolia bush need?
Water. Magnolias need to be watered 1 – 2 times a week for the first 6 months after planting, until the roots are established. After that, they will only need water during periods of extreme drought.
How do I fix yellow leaves on my bushes?
Leaves that are Yellow, Curling, and Drooping
To fix this, the solution is to water your plant to evenly and thoroughly saturate the soil. Some plants may perk back up within a few hours after watering, while others may require a few days.