Magnolia Stellata

I have had a magnolia stellata for many years. It hasn't done much apart from stay alive - no growth at all, although it looks like I might get a couple of blossoms this year.
Should I move it or improve the soil around it?
It's south facing clay gets very dry in summer

 

Hello @BB3 I was wondering where you were, nice to hear from you

Our Magnolia was similar about 18 months ago. It was quite closely planted with Cistus (which had grown twice the expected size) so we decided to clear the surrounding plants and give him some personnel space. We gave him a good mulch of home compost and for a few months a regular watering (summer 23 which was drier than 2024). I also thinned him out, there was more deadwood than I realised. Finally I gave him a stern talking too and OH and I agreed that if he didn’t buck up he would go.

Without the close competition he’s really responded and we’ve had lots more flower and growth since. I’m not a fan of bare soil but am keeping it clear immediately around him, say a 2ft circle.

 

Forgot to add, ours is in a sunny south facing spot too. I haven’t watered since that initial summer but then it’s been continually wet here since

 

Hello @Butterfly6 .
I'll try a good feed and severe words.
I have cleared around it a bit. I just hope the remaining nearby plants don't nick all the medicine!

 

Do the summer leaves look a good dark green, just wondering if it's a trace element problem.

 

I seem to remember that Magnolias tend to have relatively shallow roots, so it probably suffers when the ground dries out over summer. I would remove anything competing with it, give it a good mulch every spring and then a good water every couple of weeks when the the ground dries out.

 

Thanks @NigelJ I've done that this morning and @pete Tbh I've never noticed the leaves! It has been cruelly neglected. I have given it a good jiggle of toprose as that's the first thing that came to hand.