The Garden Club of the Back Bay has a long history with the magnolia tree. Our Club was founded by the very women who led the charge to plant the magnificent Saucer Magnolias along Commonwealth Avenue in the 1950’s. Our major annual award is named after the flower. Anyone walking the streets of Back Bay this spring (and this is happening in other communities as well) will notice a marked decrease in flowers and even leafing. Magnolias are suffering stress after a period of unseasonable winter warmth, followed by a deep freeze; especially hard hit were Saucer Magnolias in sunny locations. Many did not bloom this year and are leafing out very sparsely – but they are not dead and will probably recover.
Tips to help trees recover:
Fertilize now, and again in the fall with a light, liquid, stress relief organic fertilizer, preferably a compost tea.
Keep the trees well watered all summer.
Please spread the word, educate the public, to be sure all Magnolias are well cared for and to ensure they recover. Photo from www.gbsgardencentre.com
