huLLy not in Greece writes
Hello,

I purchased a Star Magnolia from the Daily Telegraph in the middle of March
this year, planted it the same day etc. So far, no sign of life.. it's just
a stick in the mud!

Is this normal? When should I expect to see any sign of life?

The leaves on ours have just sprouted (Yorks). Flowers just beginning
to go over.

You could try scraping a tiny bit of bark off with a fingernail - if
it's brown underneath, it's definitely dead, if it's green, there's
still hope.
--
Kay