In order for the magnolia tree to retain its blooming power for a long time, it needs the right pruning. We show what you should consider when cutting magnolias.
Magnolias (Magnolia) stand out due to their elegant, spherical growth and magnificent flowers. But how does it actually come about? Is that the art of the gardener or that of the plant?
Cut magnolia
Magnolias do not need to be cut. They develop their characteristic expansive growth form all by themselves. Actually, pruning is more of a problem, because the magnolia reacts quite sensitively to it. This often results in annoying water drifts and a lot of lost energy. Since the magnolia grows relatively slowly, there is often no need for pruning. If it does grow over your head, you should only prune the plant every three to five years. However, magnolias are actually excellent garden trees that do not require pruning.
Cutting magnolia: the perfect time
The magnolia should be cut in late summer, as the juice flow is significantly reduced at this time. This has the advantage that the plant loses less juice and therefore less energy than in spring.
Cutting magnolia: the right approach
Magnolias are no friend of pruning and prefer to develop without the acquaintance of pruning shears or a saw. Therefore cut magnolias only when absolutely necessary and proceed very carefully. Actually, it is enough to take out dead branches and remove unwanted branches. Always cut branches back to the trunk, so the wound healing is best. Make sure that your saw or scissors are clean and, to be on the safe side, disinfect them by briefly immersing them in boiling water. You can then smooth the cut edge a little with a sharp pocket knife so that it grows together more cleanly. Radical pruning only makes sense after storm damage or a snow break, because the magnolia tree recovers very slowly from such a tough operation.
In order to regain new strength after the cut, the magnolia is happy about fertilization. More about the Fertilizing magnolias find out here.
Cutting star magnolia: this must be taken into account
For pruning the star magnolia (Magnolia stellata) the same applies as for other magnolias:
- Cut back in late summer
- Use clean tools
- Cut back carefully and not too radically
- Cut back only every three to five years
- Cut the branches back to the trunk
- Remove dead branches
Star magnolias naturally only grow up to five meters high. Even without pruning, the small trees develop a beautiful, sweeping crown.
If you are more specific for the different Magnolia species you will find all the important information here.