It can be scary to see that the leaves on your magnolia bush are turning yellow. But most of the time, it’s easy to fix, and your bush will grow back. Here is a complete list of the most common reasons why magnolia leaves turn yellow and how to fix them.
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. That’s okay! The bush is fine as long as it has buds.
Late or Early Frost
Frost can hurt new magnolia leaves, especially on types that bloom early. Plant frost-resistant types or protect the bush.
Insufficient Watering
Underwatering causes leaves to yellow and wilt. Check to see how wet the soil is and water new magnolias once or twice a 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 problem mostly affects types that lose their leaves in the fall, and it’s the main problem that spring-blooming types have with their flowers and new leaves.
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.
Good news: hybrid types have been created to solve this problem by blooming two to four 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.
If you can help it, don’t plant anything that will face south. Trees will come out of dormancy earlier, sometimes by several weeks. 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.