Magnolia dead?

Discussion in 'Magnoliaceae' started by chrisbeattie, Jun 25, 2006.

  1. chrisbeattie

    chrisbeattie Member

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    Re: magnolia questions

    Dear Experts and Enthusiasts,

    We moved into a property last summer which has a trasplanted magnolia tree in the back yard (8-10ft tall). We knew that the tree had recently been moved from another location and that the absence of leaves or flowers may have been due to the shock of the move. No leaves came through last Spring (2005) and I religiously kept it watered in the hope that something would come through this Spring. As you've probably guessed, it didn't. I was in the process of cutting back the branches today in advance of cutting the main trunk and noticed a layer of green directly under the bark which felt slightly moist. The outer branches are completely dried out but I'm wondering whether the presence of the green strip closer to the main trunk branches might hold out some hope. My question is whether I should hang on for another season or cut my losses, take out the old magnolia and plant a new one ?

    Pictures Attached

    Chris
     

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  2. Ron B

    Ron B Paragon of Plants 10 Years

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    Re: magnolia questions

    Transplanted one killed by the move, do take it out now.
     
  3. chrisbeattie

    chrisbeattie Member

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    Re: magnolia questions

    Thanks for the quick reply - I'll take it out - any tips on a magnolia species to replace it with ? I'd rather plant something now for aesthetic reasons but would I be better to wait until early Spring 2007 ?

    Thanks

    Chris
     
  4. Ron B

    Ron B Paragon of Plants 10 Years

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    Re: magnolia questions

    Autumn is best for planting all hardy plants, including magnolias. If you are visualizing something not consiberably taller and broader than the carcass than you will have to choose one of the smallest-growing kinds, such as star magnolia, lily magnolia, one of the US National Arboretum (Kosar-DeVos) Hybrids, or Oyama magnolia. Since that is a corner in a border with nothing solid behind on the one side an evergreen magnolia might look best, unless you were to plant an evergreen climber on the wire fence. A commonly planted, small-growing evergreen magnolia is 'Little Gem'. Results with this last vary here, some specimens have a mildew problem that makes them look gaunt, others do not.
     

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