The tulip magnolia (Magnolia soulangiana) is the queen of the magnolia trees. In spring, the pristine-looking tree enchants with the white-pink sea of its large, tulip-shaped flowers. The gnarled growth and the beautiful, fresh foliage also contribute to the attractiveness of this tree. However, the beautiful habit can be quickly destroyed by careless pruning.
How do I prune a tulip magnolia correctly?
The correct cutting of a tulip magnolia should be done after flowering and within a maximum period of 3 to 5 years. Use clean, sharp pruning shears to cut off shoots right at the origin. You should remove dead and diseased branches at any time.
Pruning of tulip magnolia is not recommended
Like all magnolias, the tulip magnolia is not very cut-resistant and should therefore not be cut back if possible - or if it is absolutely necessary. For example, the tree has the habit of sprouting so-called spider veins at interfaces - thin, unsightly small branches that do not bear any flowers and can seriously affect the overall appearance of the tree. Pruning too hard can even lead to the death of the tree, especially if it is severely weakened due to an incorrect location, unsuitable care or illness.
When to prune the tulip magnolia
Nevertheless, pruning can also make sense for tulip magnolias that are difficult to cut, for example around
- To eliminate or contain damage caused by storms or hail
- diseased plant parts (e.g. affected by fungi) must be removed in a timely manner
- to remove dead shoots
- to thin out shoots that are too close or crossing each other
- cutting away competing shoots
- to limit the tree from excessive growth
- to thin out a crown that is too dense
Regular pruning to rejuvenate the tulip magnolia is not necessary due to its very slow growth.
How to cut the tulip magnolia
If pruning the tulip magnolia is unavoidable, pay particular attention to the following instructions:
- Do not shorten any shoots or leave any stubs standing.
- Instead, shoots, branches and twigs are always cut directly at their origin.
- Otherwise, unsightly broom or water veins will sprout from the remaining roots.
- Do not use saws,
- but only clean and sharp pruning or pruning shears (€38.00 on Amazon).
- These should be disinfected to avoid fungal infection.
- For the same reason, larger cut areas should be closed with a wound treatment.
Tulip magnolias should be cut back a maximum of every three to five years, although dead and diseased shoots and branches should of course be removed at any time.
The best time to prune
Like all trees that bloom in spring, the tulip magnolia is pruned immediately after flowering. Since this type of tree still produces flowers for the coming year, you can deprive yourself of the flowers if you prune them too late.
Tip
Flowering branches of the tulip magnolia last a very long time in the vase.
