The Saga of My Tulip Tree

For my birthday last year (2008), my family bought me a couple of trees for our front yard. Each being trees that I really enjoy. They bought me a Kawakami Pear tree (no fruit, just lots of blooms), and a Magnolia Alexandria (tulip tree).

Well in a recent wind storm, the Kawakmi tree snapped off at the roots. No tree left. The tree was staked with a wooden stake and the stake broke too. I mean there are no Santa Ana winds in Hanford... who would have thought this would be a problem? I have just replaced that tree with a Crepe Myrtle, which I have neve known anyone to be able to kill.

Well, my Tulip Tree has been an ongoing trial for me. Here it is in full bloom just after being planted.

This is why this tree is loved by all. It is an extravogant bloomer. Well, soon after this blooming cycle came to an end, the leaves came in and were not doing well. I know that in our climate the foliage on this tree is not lush during the Summer months, but it looked wrong. So, I fed the tree, kept it watered, carefully removed dead wood...

This year. Not a single bloom in spring. ZERO! No show. No nothing (improper English intended). And now that we're in the Summer foliage season, the tree looks worse than last year.

After a little research and a short conversation with my nursery-man, I have come to the conclusion that my soil may have an elevated alkaline content which makes my Magnolia Alexandria weak and bloomless. I will be out spreading gypsum on the soil today to try to level out the Ph of my soil. I'll keep you updated on The Saga of My Tulip Tree.