RE: Magnolia stellata

Dear Fran
I fear you are right here...much to my disappointment.  I have now put it under/near Pinus halepensis ( of which we have a lot) and the soil has come out in testing mildly acidic around 6.0 - 6.5 although we are on sandstone (tosca) here.   It has plenty of summer water, thats no problem as we have rainwater colllectors and a greywater tank.  Sooooo...what to do? The humidity is not that low, but I am sure the heat is a problem.  I will try it again for another year. Are there any particular fertilizers, mulches which might  help?
Thank so much for your input
Pamela
 
From: owner-medit-plants@ucdavis.edu [mailto:owner-medit-plants@ucdavis.edu]On Behalf Of Francisco J. de la Mota
Sent: 29 September 2007 20:53
To: Medit-Plants
Subject: Re: Magnolia stellata

Pamela,
 
If I recall well, you are in the costa Blanca in Spain. In my opinion, your climate doesn't meet many of the requirements for successfully growing Magnolia stellata, or pretty much, any magnolia (maybe grandiflora with proper summer watering and soil amendment). Leaf scorch during summer will probably happen year after year. Also, I take it your soil is rather alcaline as well. The combination of heat, low humidity and lime is probably in your magnolia's nightmares. An almond tree can have equivalent value to the magnolia (fragrant flowers on bare stems in late winter) and be much happier in your garden.
 
Fran
Miraflores de la Sierra, Spain
 
----- Original Message -----
From: p*@re-taste.com
To: m*@ucdavis.edu
Sent: Saturday, September 29, 2007 4:48 PM
Subject: Magnolia stellata

Hello all!
A Magnolia stellata I planted 2 years ago has been a bit of a disappointment.  The first spring we had a great show of flowers but then the leaves burnt (as we had it in full sun, I think).  I moved then it last year to a sun/shade environment but there were very few flowers to speak of ..mostly brown looking and the leaves still look burnt and there has been no new growth this year to speak of.  What shall I do now and up till next spring to help it along?  Any ideas?
many thanks
Pamela
 
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