The leaf and flower buds for the following year are already forming in most magnolia species in November. With some magnolias, the flowers open first, followed by the bright green leaves. The opposite is usually the case with late-flowering varieties. Flower buds are often terminal, sometimes in the leaf axils.
Buds protect themselves from frost
Magnolia buds are encased in a firm, velvety or hairy covering that is designed to protect their contents from frost and other weather-related ills. Only shortly before flowering do they break open and seem to literally explode. Many types of magnolia only have a short flowering time of a maximum of two weeks, although the magic of early-flowering varieties can quickly be over due to late night frosts. For this reason, good winter protection should also be provided for buds that are just opening, so that these promising heralds of spring do not freeze to death prematurely.
What to do if the buds do not want to open?
Sometimes, however, a magnolia does not develop flower buds or the existing ones simply fall off. There are various reasons for this, although such behavior is not uncommon, especially with newly planted or transplanted magnolias. Such magnolias first have to settle down and develop roots in the new location, for which they need all their energy and initially neglect the flowering stage. If you have a young, unflowering magnolia: don't despair! Some specimens take years to mature enough to flower. By the way, especially with star magnolias, the seed pods should not be confused with the buds. So if the buds look a bit strangely shaped to you, they are probably infructescences with seeds.
Flowering magnolias only in good locations
The lack of flower buds can also be due to the wrong location or the fact that you keep your magnolia in a pot. Magnolias need a sunny spot with humus-rich, acidic soil - and enough room to grow. If magnolias are pruned too often or at the wrong time, they often tend to lazily bloom. You can stimulate the formation of buds through regular fertilizer applications, with rhododendron fertilizers being particularly suitable.
tips and tricks
If you have a lazy room magnolia: Put it outdoors, either in fresh soil and in a sufficiently large pot or straight into the garden. Magnolias that are kept indoors only bloom on very rare occasions.