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What's up with my Jane Magnolia's leaves? pics

8 years ago

Hey. So I've noticed the leaves on my Jane Magnolia aren't looking the best. They are kind of sickly and matte looking. Not the shiny, lush green ones I see in pictures. A few are even yellow. The undersides of the leaves typically look worse before the top. What can I do and what is it? Thanks!

Featured Answer

sequoiadendron_4

8 years ago

It looks like powdery mildew. You will not be able to reverse the damage for the affected leaves. The mildew spores live in the soil over winter and may effect your plant next season as well. It becomes more prominent in hot dry weather. Keeping your plant well watered during stressful hot and dry conditions can help limit the onset of this. Also spraying the leaves with a copper fungicide or Daconil can help too. The good news is that it's strictly foliar and will not harm your plant long term. You would also do well to make sure you collect all the leaves in autumn. Make sure not to compost them but burn them or put them out for the trash.

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Comments (8)

jalcon
Original Author
8 years ago
Will that turn foliage yellow? It seems like every day a few more leaves turn yellow.
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sequoiadendron_4
8 years ago
It could. If the PM infestation is bad enough it will damage the leaves enough that they fall off.
gardengal48 (PNW Z8/9)
8 years ago
Powdery mildew spores do NOT overwinter in the soil. They only survive on plant tissue and even then seldom overwinter successfully. PM is a cultural and climatic condition and can be controlled effectively if you can alter the conditions conducive to its development. It tends to be most prevalent when plants are crowded or lack good air movement, in too much shade or with dry soils and high atmospheric humidity. Which is why it tends to show up most frequently in mid to late summer, when these conditions are most likely to exist.

With a deciduous tree that is going to drop its leaves in a few months, I wouldn't bother to treat. And it's a bit late for that anyway - most fungicides are only prophylactic: they can only prevent the disease from occurring but will not cure it. So you have to apply before you see any visual signs of the disease. And PM can be controlled without a heavy duty fungicide - baking soda, potassium bicarbonate or even milk will alter the surface pH of the foliage and make it inhospitable for the development of PM spores. Neem oil will also curtail the development of PM.
Toronado3800 Zone 6 St Louis
8 years ago
This year in StLouis we had a record wet June. Has your area been about the same? Would that make PM worse?

FWIW, my metasequoia, arborvitae and nyssa look great but many other trees don't
User
8 years ago
last modified: 8 years ago
As an avid Magnolia fan, I had tried the Jane Magnolia a few ago. Mine developed the same issues. Currently growing M. virginiana, grandiflora, and stellata without the issues. Don't know what it was. I don't think they like extreme humidity under warm/hot conditions (who does honestly?).
jalcon
Original Author
8 years ago
last modified: 8 years ago
This thing continues to decline and drop about 10 leaves everyday.. . Are we sure this is harmless powdery mildew? The conditions described for PM to thrive couldn't be more opposite to what this tree has been subject to. It's been a dry summer if anything... In a slight drought. I water it once a week by giving the rootball a nice soaking.
HU-488667692
2 years ago
My Ann magnolia is in the same condition! Any suggestion how to help the poor tree?

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