In order for the magnolia tree to keep its flowering power for a long time, it needs the right pruning. We show what you should consider when pruning magnolias.
Magnolias (Magnolia) attract attention with their elegant, spherical growth and the magnificent flowers. But how does this actually happen? Is this the art of the gardener or that of the plant?
Pruning Magnolia
Magnolias don't need to be pruned. They develop their characteristic sprawling growth habit all by themselves. Actually, a pruning is more of a nuisance, because the magnolia reacts quite sensitively to it. One result is often annoying water urges and a lot of lost energy. Since the magnolia grows relatively slowly, there is often no need for pruning. If it grows too much for you, you should only prune the plant every three to five years. In fact, magnolias are excellent garden trees that do not require pruning.
Pruning a magnolia: the perfect time
The magnolia should be pruned in late summer, as the sap flow is significantly reduced at this time. This has the advantage that the plant loses less juice and therefore less energy than in spring.
Pruning a magnolia: The right way to do it
Magnolias are no friend of pruning and prefer to develop without the knowledge of a pruning shears or saw. Therefore, only cut magnolias when absolutely necessary and proceed very carefully. Actually, it is enough to take out dead branches and remove disturbing branches. Always cut branches back to the trunk, this is the best way for the wound to heal. 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 smoothen the cut edge with a sharp pocket knife so that it grows together more neatly. A radical pruning only makes sense after storm damage or snowfall, because the magnolia recovers very slowly from such a hard intervention.
In order to gather new strength after the cut, the magnolia is happy about fertilization. You can find out more about fertilizing magnolias here.
Cutting star magnolia: This is important to note
The same applies to pruning the star magnolia (Magnolia stellata) as to other magnolias:
- Pruning in late summer
- Use Clean Tool
- Cut back carefully and not too radically
- Pruning only every three to five years
- Pruning 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 spreading crown.
If you are interested in the different magnolia species, you will find all the important information here.