What's eating my magnolia 'susan'?

Magnolia 'Susan' faces the same key threats as other deciduous magnolias: magnolia scale on stems is the most serious pest, deer target flower buds and young growth in winter, and slugs damage emerging foliage in spring. Aphids are common on new shoot growth but rarely cause lasting damage to an established plant.

Soft, waxy pink-white bumps clustered on young branches; heavy infestations produce sooty mould from honeydew and weaken or kill branches. Apply horticultural oil spray in late summer targeting crawlers, or a dormant oil in late winter. Remove badly affected stems. A soil-applied systemic insecticide in spring provides season-long control.

Flower buds and new shoots are stripped in autumn and winter, preventing flowering. Use tree guards or deer fencing around young plants. Spray deer repellent in autumn and reapply monthly until new growth hardens.

Holes and ragged margins on soft new leaves; silver slime trails visible in the morning. Apply iron phosphate slug pellets. Handpick in evenings. Improve drainage to reduce hiding spots.