The tulip magnolia (Magnolia soulangiana) is the queen of the magnolia trees. In spring, the primeval-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 quickly be destroyed by careless pruning.
The tulip magnolia should not be cut if possible
Tulip magnolia pruning is not recommended
Like all magnolias, the tulip magnolia is considered to be not very prunable and should therefore not be cut back if possible - or if it is really unavoidable. For example, the tree has the habit of letting so-called spider veins sprout at cuttings - thin, unsightly small branches that do not bear flowers and can badly spoil the overall appearance of the tree. Excessive pruning can even lead to the death of the tree, especially if it is severely weakened by a wrong location, unsuitable care or a disease.
When to prune the tulip magnolia
Nevertheless, a pruning can also be useful for the tulip magnolia, which does not tolerate pruning, for example around
- Eliminate or contain damage caused by storms or hail
- to remove diseased (e.g. fungus infested) parts of the plant in good time
- remove dead shoots
- Thin out shoots that are too close together or that cross each other
- cut away competing shoots
- to limit the tree in an overly rampant 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.
This is how you proceed when pruning the tulip magnolia
If pruning the tulip magnolia is unavoidable, pay particular attention to the following information:
- Do not trim any shoots or leave any stubs.
- Instead, shoots, branches and twigs are always cut directly at their origin.
- Otherwise, the unsightly broom or water veins will sprout from the remaining approaches.
- Do not use saws
- but only clean and sharp pruning shears.
- These should be disinfected to avoid fungal infection.
- For the same reason, larger cut surfaces should be closed with a wound medication.
Tulip magnolias should be cut back every three to five years at most, although dead and diseased shoots and branches should of course be removed at any time.
The best time for a pruning
Like all trees that bloom in spring, the tulip magnolia is pruned immediately after flowering. Since this tree species is still developing the flowers for the coming year, you can rob yourself of the blooms by pruning too late.
tips
Flowering branches of the tulip magnolia last a long time in the vase.