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Hi - I planted five Teddy Bear Magnolias about a month ago. They are progressively developing black patches and edges on the leaves. I need help identifying what the cause is. They are in a full sun position in the New England (Northern NSW). Maybe this is the issue? Or watering, pests, fungus? Any advice would be appreciated.
Welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community @aschmid5. It's wonderful to have you join us, and many thanks for your question about magnolia care.
It looks like your Teddy Bear Magnolias might be experiencing sunburn, especially since they are planted in a full sun position in. While these magnolias do thrive in sunny conditions, young or newly planted trees can be sensitive to intense sunlight, leading to leaf scorch and the development of black patches or edges. To help mitigate sunburn, consider providing temporary shade for your magnolias during the hottest parts of the day. You can use shade cloth, or even a patio umbrella to reduce direct sunlight exposure until the plants are more established.
It's also essential to ensure the plants are adequately watered, particularly in hot weather. Deep watering helps the roots establish and provides moisture to the leaves, but be cautious not to overwater, as that can lead to other issues. Applying a layer of mulch around the base of the magnolias can help retain moisture in the soil and moderate soil temperatures, providing some protection from heat. If your magnolias were grown in a nursery under partial shade, they might need some time to acclimate to full sun conditions, so monitor the plants closely and provide additional shade during peak heat until they adjust.
You can trim back any severely affected foliage to encourage new growth and improve the overall health of the plant. As your magnolias grow and establish themselves, they should become more resilient to sun exposure.
Let me also tag @Noelle to see if she has any thoughts.
Please let me know if you have any questions.
Mitchell
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