Question
Hi ... can Magnolia bushes freeze ?  We have a new one planted in early Sept. this year.  It froze a few nights ago and all the green leaves turned dark brown.  Is it dead or just dormant for the rest of the year ?  We live in the pacific northwest.

Answer
Cheryle,

Magnolias are a southern plant and are very suseptible to winter freezes, especially if they hit early. The brown leaves are dead, but the tree will most probably recover in the spring.

I would recommend fertilizing it with a low nitrogen fertilizer to help strengthen it through the winter months.

Good luck.
Ed Gulliksen