ASK DIARMUID

Q I have a potted magnolia that I purchased nearly six years ago but it’s never flowered. Any advice you can give me would be appreciated. Thank you. Roy Walker

A Depending on the variety, magnolias can take quite a few years to start flowering – up to 10 in some cases. It’s one of the reasons I love the variety ‘Leonard Messel’ because not only is it beautiful but it starts flowering as a young tree.

Many magnolias prefer neutral to acidic soil so have you used the correct compost in the pot? Is it getting enough sun? If it’s otherwise healthy, I’m afraid there’s not a lot else you can do but be patient.