Magnolia Needs Special Location and Care Growing in the Desert

Q. My magnolia tree appears to be struggling. Any idea why?

Southern magnolia growing on commercial property in lawn in Las Vegas. Notice that newer
growth is starting to yellow and some dieback, sign of iron shortage to the plant.
Apply iron EDDHA chelate to the soil.

A. The underlying problem is that southern magnolia does not belong here. With that in mind whenever we plant anything in our desert climate and soils that should not grow here we have to spend extra time, energy and money to get it to look good. Without these extra inputs they struggle and look horrible.

The choice of microclimate for this kind of tree is extremely important. It is also extremely important to amend the soil properly at the time of planting and mulch the soil with things that can decompose and help keep the soil enriched. Finally, we have to fertilize it the right types of fertilizers.

This tree will last a maximum of 3 to 5 years if it is put into a rock landscape. It might last 10 years if it's planted in a lawn. Perhaps one in 1000 might make it to 20 years or more planted in the right location, amended correctly at the time of planting, decomposing mulches applied to the soil surface and regular applications of high quality fertilizers and amendments.

Southern magnolia planted on the south side of a wall in rock mulch on a commercial property in Las Vegas. What were
they thinking????? All trees died in the first summer.

Is it in a protected location? Is it somewhat protected from extremes of heat and sunlight and wind? If it is not, you may be fighting a losing battle. If you feel it is in a good location, are there organic materials added to the soil surface so that it will decompose?

There is not much you can do if it was planted poorly. Is it surrounded by other plants with similar water requirements so that it can draw upon these sources of water and decomposing roots and organic material and benefit from them? Or is it in a lawn? A lawn would be very beneficial to this tree if the lawn as well cared for but you still have to give it special treatment even a lawn.

Fertilizers applied to this tree should be high quality such as Gro Power. Viragrow has Gro Power and a good price on it. Applications should be once a year in the spring and you should accompany this application with iron EDDHA chelate every year. Viragrow I believe is now the only source of iron EDDHA chelate in the Valley now that Plant World is gone. Star Nursery and all the other box stores do not carry it. A big mistake.

Viragrow Delivers!