Plant Doctor Archive

Port wine magnolia with yellow leaves

I have six standard port wine magnolias planted in the lawn, down my path to the front door. They have developed yellow leaves, which happened before flowering. What can I do to help them?

Because these plants are planted in the lawn, they are competing with the grass for water and nutrients. The yellow leaves indicate that the plants are hungry.

Port wine magnolias enjoy a moist, free-draining soil. Feed using a general garden fertiliser in spring and late summer — use at the recommended rate. Water regularly. Prune to shape after flowering.

Advice by Dr Dan Blanchon from Unitec's Diploma in Sustainable Horticulture and Bachelor of Resource Management.

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