You planted the star magnolia years ago. But now the fun is over. It's not growing as expected. In addition, a strong storm raged and some branches snapped. Time for a cut!
When and how should you prune a star magnolia?
Star magnolias are best cut in June, after their flowering period in March and April. A light thinning cut is recommended, in which crossing shoots, branches growing inwards as well as diseased and rotten branches are removed. Make sure to cut directly at the base of the branch.
Cutting is not necessarily necessary
Since the star magnolia usually grows slowly, it takes a while for it to get out of shape. It usually has a naturally beautiful growth. Therefore, a cut is not always necessary. She gets along well without having to deal with pruning shears
Cut yes, but carefully
If you want to cut your star magnolia, you shouldn't cut too radically. It cannot tolerate radical cutting. It would be best to just light them out. This can happen every two to four years.
Attention: Young star magnolias in particular can quickly be damaged if they are cut too hard. In addition, severe pruning often leads to holes in the plant. It doesn't like to sprout again on old branches, so refrain from making such a cut.
When can the star magnolia be cut?
The best time to prune is right after the star magnolia has bloomed. It blooms between March and April. The cut should ideally be carried out in June - there is no longer any frost.
Cutting correctly – instructions
You should proceed as follows:
- Sharpen and disinfect pruning shears or saw
- cut directly at the base of the branch (do not leave any stubs)
- remove crossing shoots
- remove branches growing inwards
- cut off diseased and rotten branches completely
- Remove competing shoots for the main trunk
- Take away water shoots (steep shoots)
- leave three to five scaffold shoots
- coat large cuts with tree wax
Cutting for propagation
A good side effect of cutting is obtaining potential cuttings. The star magnolia can be easily propagated with these. After the cuttings have rooted in the pot, they can be transplanted outdoors in May.
Tips & Tricks
It is important that you do not use dull scissors or saws to cut the star magnolia. Unclean cutting edges increase the risk of pathogens nesting in the wood.
