Pink magnolia blooms will not open

skoobi7777

Hello, I live in north Tx and recently planted a pink magnolia tree in the front yard. We water it daily as it has been quite hot with little rain all summer. It has begun putting out beautiful, large flower buds… but instead of opening, they turn brown 😢 I notice there are a few leaves with brown spots as well. What can I do to help my tree?

Dovefromabove

Any sort of flower buds not opening then turning brown is usually a sign of drought at the roots. How much water have you been giving it? 

Depending on the size it’ll need several gallons per day. 

steephill

Is it normal to see magnolia flowering at this time of year? In the UK it is a spring flowering tree.

skoobi7777

Normally a spring bloomer. But recently planted and lovely/hot weather sooo? I’m wondering about the tiny white spots on the branches as well. How do I add pics please?

Dovefromabove

If a tree flowers out of season it can be a symptom of stress. 

Click on the little landscape picture icon and follow the instructions. If the picture won’t upload try reducing its size. 

skoobi7777

Fairygirl

Hi @skoobi7777 - it looks bone dry and fried to me I'm afraid 
Might be scale on the stems. Hard to tell from the photo though. The foliage looks mildewed.
A newly planted shrub or tree needs huge amounts of water, regardless of type, and especially if it's been planted in less than ideal conditions, and if those conditions are ongoing. The ground needs well prepared too - and a large area left clear around the base if it's in grass. As it's in grass, the soil would possibly have been less than ideal. Lots of organic matter mixed in with the soil dug out helps enormously.

The watering would need to be a bucketful every couple of days [at least]  right in at the base. That encourages roots to get down. 

Nanny Beach

Assuming north TX is Texas,you said it was very hot,and you've just planted it. Mine are in part shade,north facing garden in an area that stays damp,and yes, flowers in spring

skoobi7777

Thanks to all 😊 I appreciate your advice. I will give it more water and see about some more compost. We did use planting soil around it and mulch to help keep the grass back some. We shall see!

Fairygirl

You need to remove the turf round the base completely - down to the soil level below - when you clear the area. Then add the compost etc to the soil in the hole. The mulch is for the top once the tree's planted   
A mulch is just a layer of organic material, or gravel, to help retain moisture and suppress weeds. It won't keep the grass at bay. You'll need to keep checking that it's kept back. Grass is always a lot of competition for moisture that your tree needs 

Hopefully, it'll be fine though.