QUESTION

MY MAGNOLIA is looking good this year, although I notice that — particularly in this hot weather — many of the leaves are turning brown and dropping off. Is this a worry? And should I water the magnolia as much as possible during the dry spell?

T. Smithers, Oxon. All plants are stressed during dry periods and it’s important to remember that evergreens naturally lose their older leaves.

As long as your plant has developed new foliage since last winter, there’s nothing to worry about.

leaf loss can be more rapid during excessively hot weather and watering will never do any harm.

it is always better to water thoroughly, in the early morning or evening, making sure it goes right down into the soil, than simply to sprinkle the surface.