Question
We live in Orange County California.  Three years ago we planted a dwarf magnolia tree and it is growing well and produces many healthy green leaves.  However last year the blooms were poorly formed and turned brown within 1 day.  Many didn't even open.  This year the tree only produced one magnolia flower.  It was well shaped and white.  Is there something we can do to get the tree to produce more flowers?   Thank you

Answer
Magnolias need to adjust to there new environment before they bloom much. They have to have time for their roots to grow and get use to thier new location. This takes 3-5 years.
Make sure they get a lot of sunlight. If they do not get amost a full day of sunlight they bloom poorly.
Magnolias should be fertilizered. Use a liquid acid fertilizer for the first several years for small magnolias. As they grow larger use a granular fertilizer. Check with your local nurseru for a good fetilizer.