Question
Hi Tom.
I planted a magnolia vine 3 years ago. It is in part sun/shade and I live in zone 5. This vine has never bloomed. It does have new growth every season but hasn't been a fast grower. Can you tell me what I am doing wrong? I have never seen pest or disease on it.
Thank you!

Answer
Hi Denise,
Thanx for your question.  The magnolia vine is a dioecious plant.  That means some of the vines are male and some are female.  The male flowers are more numerous.  The only thing I can think of is if you're feeding this plant a high nitrogen fertilizer this will cause all green growth at the expense of flowers.  If lawn chemicals are leaching over on it, those are high in nitrogen and could be causing it too.  Side dress your vine with well-composted manure for fertilizing.  There is a gall midge that helps pollinate these plants but if you don't have both sexes, no fruit will develop.  I hope this helps.
Tom.