This is normal. The old leaves turn yellow and will eventually fall off as the tree pushes out new growth. The same thing happens to my tree every year, looks like its gonna die than quickly drops all leaves then grows new ones. Make sure to give it liquid fertilizer like miracle gro or fish fertilizer when it starts the new growth.

Thanks for that info, put my mind at ease. How old/big is yours?

It's currently about 10 feet tall so it's still quite young. I grow mine in a pot in partial shade. It seems to like moist but not wet soil and regular liquid fertilizer.

Wow, 10' tall. What size pot is it in? Mine's about 5'. I also have another M. alba that's about 2' tall, in a 5-gallon pot, with lots of flower bud. The 5' tree has no flower buds at all.

It's nice to see that you are still growing alba. I remember your postings some years ago.

My alba is 5' tall, living in a 14" standard clay pot. I'm sure it wants a larger pot but I can't afford to go any larger because it is getting a bit heavy to lift. It didn't bloom last year but I'm seeing some buds on it right now.. so yeahh, i'm excited! : )

kemistry,
I'm glad yours are showing some buds, hopefully they'll open soon. I'm hoping I can score a M. champaca some time soon. Can't get enough of the wonderful fragrance.