Magnolia Stellata - has never flowered!

[Bluemchen]

Hi,

My Magnolia stellata has never produced more than 1 flower in each of it's 3 seasons, although it does produce lots of little buds. Only one bud swells and then flowers. The leaves are fine and don't look sickly. It is in a pot and is watered regularly, but not fed. It is about 3 foot high, and the pot is about 1 foot across.

Originally I thought it was because it was in it's first year, then in a windy spot, then last year it was in shade, so have moved it to a sunny spot. The buds are forming now, and I am determined to see some flower this year! What do I need to do??

I am an organic gardener.
With thanks
Bluemchen

[Tam]

Now that it has some sun you should be all right - it certainly doesn't like the shade.

[daylily]

They should do better in a sunny position but if you can, should consider planting it out in the ground. If can't, try not to let it dry out.

[nick the grief]

Your lucky to have one. A guy I used to work with said he would layer me a piece of his and I'm still waiting 30 years later !!

[adrian901]

Either pot it inot a larger pot, or ideally get it inot the ground. Magnolias do not like their roots being constricted.

Sorry

[Adrastea]

Hi Bluemchen

Although they do take a long time to flower, I think that the position you put it in can affect the formation and opening of the buds. I have a camellia that has the same problem and have had to move it around the garden to get the best spot for it to flower well! I also think that it would perform better in the ground (unless you are going to feed it regularly) and is best in a position where it doesn't receive sun in the morning, but gets sun for the rest of the day. Camellias must receive plenty of water in the summer to form plenty of good buds so could this be a problem for magnolias too? Just a thought!