About four years ago I purchased a magnolia tree. Rather than going for the standard fare, I opted for the more uncommon (at the time) but hardy Butterflies variety. Since planting, it has grown quite well and I’ve never had much of any problem with it. It always leafed out, has grown more and more each year, but in the entire time I’ve owned it, it has never bloomed.The first two years I did very little aside from regular watering. Year three I realized I might have to do a bit more if this thing was ever going to show me it’s 4 to 5 inch canary yellow blooms. So, at the advice of my mother (who I’m confident knows everything about gardening) I began adding a bit of phosphate. I stuck it out for two years, realizing that it takes time to build up in the plant. With spring #5 just around the corner, I’m happy to say it has worked. The flower buds are present. They look different from the slender leaf buds as they more resemble an upside-down light bulb. I’ll keep you posted on the progress.