Illicium, Florida Anise, Red Magnolia 'Shady Lady'

I purchased this plant 2 years ago. At the time it was about 3 feet tall. The good news is that it was only $7. The bad news is that was ...Read Moreshaped like a lollipop (whose idea was that, I wonder?). Two years later, it looks healthy and happy, but has not grown much. I pinched off the terminal buds to encourage bushing out, so I'm not surprised it's not taller, but it doesn't seem to be bushing out, either.

Should I be doing something differently or is this plant just doomed to be a lollipop? Perhaps it just grows slowly? Any advice or suggestions?

Actually, I'd like some help! Purchased 3 year old shrub in the spring and it was blooming and healthly. Continued to thrive and was pro...Read Moreducing new growth up until a month ago at which time the leaves started dying. I was advised to spray with "70% Neem Oil" which I did! It finally lost it's last leaves and now just yesterday 4 green buds turned brown! Is there any hope??

Striking foliage variegation brightens partly shaded areas. The blooms are "fragrant," but to my nose and those of others whom I've dared...Read More to take a whiff, the flowers smell almost identical to a large, wet dog! Don't worry, though, it's not overwhelming, and so far, undetectable from a few feet away from the plant.