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Magnolia soulangeana

bertrand-mabelbertrand-mabel Posts: 2,697
in Plants
Hello All
We have a great Magnolia soulangeana in our front garden. It is in full bloom now and looks gorgeous.
However it is getting too big.
When can we prune it back and by how much?
As always thank you.

Posts

  • fidgetbonesfidgetbones Posts: 17,618
    It can be pruned from June to September. Decide what shape tree you want. Do you want to take off lower branches to give space underneath, or bring down the height?  Theey will withstand quite hard chopping back. There are several magnolias round here that the itinerants have been at, pruned into lollipop shapes. They flower again after a couple of years to recover.  I prefer an open airy style. Take out any branches that rub or cross to start with.  Keep standing back and reassessing. Go slowly. You can't put it back if you cut off too much.
  • bertrand-mabelbertrand-mabel Posts: 2,697
    Thank you @fidgetbones We need to reduce the height but will this result in water shoots and this will be why flowering will stop for the next year?
  • fidgetbonesfidgetbones Posts: 17,618
    Yes, you will probably get a lot of water shoots going straight up. Trim them to size next year to induce flowering.
  • bertrand-mabelbertrand-mabel Posts: 2,697
    Many thanks @fidgetbones
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