Curling leaves on Jane Magnolia - Ask Extension
Over the past six weeks or so, we've noticed that leaves toward the ends of the branches on our Jane Magnolia shrub are curled. They'll sometimes emer...
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Curling leaves on Jane Magnolia #875621
Asked July 02, 2024, 10:26 AM EDT
Over the past six weeks or so, we've noticed that leaves toward the ends of the branches on our Jane Magnolia shrub are curled. They'll sometimes emerge this way initially, then fill out. These haven't. Despite being curled, the leaves are not brittle.
The plant is on the southwest corner of our house. It's been in the ground since spring 2022 and has so far been thriving. We're hoping to figure out why the leaves might be curling and how we can help it continue doing well.
Franklin County Ohio
Expert Response
Goodness, that tree does NOT look happy. I have to say that my first question was going to be about watering because where I live, we have had almost a month with no measurable rain. Plants need 1"/week. NOT happening in Cleveland. This is still a consideration because your tree appears to be close to white siding which will reflect the heat right onto your tree.
One of my favorite sites speaks to the cultural requirements for your Jane: https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?taxonid=264715&isprofile=0& Do you mulch to keep soil moist and slightly cooler?
There is an excellent article at https://bygl.osu.edu/node/1864 I am wondering if any of these afflictions are on your tree although I am not optimistic they are.
I hope these questions and suggestions are helpful. This year, the weather has been so challenging for many of us that I fear we will lose our plant specimen friends.
One of my favorite sites speaks to the cultural requirements for your Jane: https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?taxonid=264715&isprofile=0& Do you mulch to keep soil moist and slightly cooler?
There is an excellent article at https://bygl.osu.edu/node/1864 I am wondering if any of these afflictions are on your tree although I am not optimistic they are.
I hope these questions and suggestions are helpful. This year, the weather has been so challenging for many of us that I fear we will lose our plant specimen friends.
Thanks, Suzanne! These are great resources. We have tried supplemental watering, but it doesn't seem to have made a difference. Other plants in the landscape that are thirsty will perk back up after a good shot of water, but this magnolia doesn't notice. There is mulch around the base of the plant though it could probably be a little thicker than it is currently.
The damage doesn't appear consistent with any of the pest or disease problems spotlighted in the OSU Extension page. I'm wondering: Could it be damage from herbicides applied to the lawn? And, regardless, is there anything we can do in the short term to help it out so it continues to thrive in future years?
Thanks again.
-Adam
Dear Adam, I hate to say it but I am totally stumped. I have looked everywhere and am down to a question and two suggestions.
Very often an overwatered plant will look just as limp and dreadful as one dying of thirst. Is there ANY chance you have been SO conscientious that you are drowning the magnolia? Stick your fingers in the soil to see how it feels. It should be moist but not soggy. My next suggestion and this is a reach going back to the reflected heat and blazing sun it is dealing with. I cannot tell how tall the tree is but can you rig some sort of shade for some protection? Southwest afternoon sun is really tough. Where I live, we have been without measurable rain for 3-4 weeks - or maybe .5" every 10 days. Ground is hard and rain sits on top until it evaporates. Kids are happy, plants are miserable. You might want to consult an arborist to see if, when weather is cooler and wetter in the fall if there is a more hospitable spot on your property. Nothing I can find suggests your Jane is going to be happy in her current circumstance. I am beyond sorry to say this.
Very often an overwatered plant will look just as limp and dreadful as one dying of thirst. Is there ANY chance you have been SO conscientious that you are drowning the magnolia? Stick your fingers in the soil to see how it feels. It should be moist but not soggy. My next suggestion and this is a reach going back to the reflected heat and blazing sun it is dealing with. I cannot tell how tall the tree is but can you rig some sort of shade for some protection? Southwest afternoon sun is really tough. Where I live, we have been without measurable rain for 3-4 weeks - or maybe .5" every 10 days. Ground is hard and rain sits on top until it evaporates. Kids are happy, plants are miserable. You might want to consult an arborist to see if, when weather is cooler and wetter in the fall if there is a more hospitable spot on your property. Nothing I can find suggests your Jane is going to be happy in her current circumstance. I am beyond sorry to say this.
