Whether your magnolia is truly thriving isn’t just about those gorgeous, show-stopping blooms; it’s also about the health of the foliage. If you start seeing yellow leaves out of season, consider it a major red flag that needs your attention right away.
When yellow leaves show up before fall
It’s totally normal for magnolia leaves to change color as we head into autumn—just like any other deciduous tree. However, if you notice that yellow tint creeping in during the middle of summer, you’re likely looking at a classic case of chlorosis. This usually happens when the soil is running low on essential nutrients like magnesium and iron.
Focus on acidic soil health
If the discoloration is just starting, you can often fix the issue by gently loosening the soil around the base of your tree and mixing in some fresh humus and compost. On the other hand, if your soil is severely depleted of magnesium, a targeted fertilizer treatment using Epsom salts (magnesium sulfate) is the way to go.
To get those yellowing magnolia leaves back to a healthy green, try these steps:
- Mix humus and organic compost into the soil
- Apply an Epsom salt solution or specialized magnesium fertilizer
