When to cut back a Magnolia

Posts

• Hostafan1 Posts: 34,889

  September 2019

  Immediately after flowering , unless you're happy to lose next year's flowers, if so you could do it when it's dormant.

  Devon.

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• steephill Posts: 2,841

  September 2019

  I think the answer is never - Magnolias don't like pruning. More advice here https://www.rhs.org.uk/plants/popular/magnolia/growing-guide
  
  

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• Hostafan1 Posts: 34,889

  September 2019

  steephill said:

  I think the answer is never - Magnolias don't like pruning. More advice here https://www.rhs.org.uk/plants/popular/magnolia/growing-guide
  
  

  I agree they don't like it, but @markie6657 says "it is getting rather tall and we will need to have it cut back" , there's only 2 options, prune  it , or lose it altogether.

  Devon.

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• steephill Posts: 2,841

  September 2019

  I fear it may end up being both options, one after the other, if it throws up lots of water shoots and loses its shape and charm. A job for a professional I think if the tree is to have a long term future.

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• Obelixx Posts: 30,090

  September 2019

  have a look at this info from the RHS.  Scroll down as needed - 
  
  https://www.rhs.org.uk/plants/popular/magnolia/growing-guide 
  

  Vendée - 20kms from Atlantic coast.
  

  "The price good men (and women) pay for indifference to public affairs is to be ruled by evil men (and women)."

  Plato
  

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