For the most part, Star Magnolias are total “set it and forget it” plants. They don’t really need heavy pruning, they’re tough enough to handle winter without extra blankets, and they’re light eaters when it comes to fertilizer. However, if you start seeing brown leaves, that’s your signal to step in and do a little detective work.
What’s causing the brown leaves?
If your magnolia is looking a bit crispy, it’s usually down to one of these common culprits:
- Your Star Magnolia might be dealing with a disease or pest issue.
- The soil is running low on essential nutrients (iron and magnesium are the big ones here).
- The ground is either bone-dry or the pH is too alkaline for the plant’s liking.
Is it just in the wrong spot?
Sometimes, the issue is simply real estate. Your magnolia needs the right location to thrive—ideally somewhere sunny but tucked away from harsh, drying winds. If it’s stuck in a drafty or shady corner, you might miss out on those gorgeous spring blooms, and the foliage will likely start turning brown to show its stress.
