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Pruning Magnolia Stellata

MudhopperMudhopper Posts: 5
in Problem solving

I have a beautiful Magnolia Stellata (approx 3m high x 3m wide) which flowers profusely but has outgrown its space.  I would like to prune it back to shape (approx 2m x 2m)  but have heard they can "sulk" when cut back.  Can anyone advise on when & how to prune please.

Posts

  • Alan4711Alan4711 Posts: 1,657

    and for me please ,same tree same problem.

  • WelshonionWelshonion Posts: 3,114
    They don't exactly sulk, but they produce a profusion of non-flowering, unproductive 'water shoots.'



    There are many varieties of magnolia, could you perhaps plant another one in a suitable position, to take over from the Stellata.
  • pr1mr0sepr1mr0se Posts: 1,193

      I inherited one when we moved here 16 years ago;  I have pruned it every couple of years or so, and never had a problem.  I just look at the height and shape, and cut to an appropriate bud on a stem, and then stand back and check that I'm achieving a nice shape.  I do this in early summer, shortly after flowering.

    This has meant that I have successfully reduced the crown, preventing it from getting too large, but that it has never had to suffer drastic pruning in any one year.

    It flowers profusely each spring, and I've won prizes at the local Horticultural Society spring show with cut branches, so it clearly has liked what I've done.

     

     

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