With its stately growth, its large flowers and its glossy foliage, it makes an impressive impression. But when it comes to pruning, it is different from most of the trees native to this country. How does pruning fit into the care of this plant?
A cut should remain the exception
When dealing with the Magnolia grandiflora, a cut should remain the exception. If you cut it carelessly, holes will quickly appear. Another consequence of haste is that the magnolia develops broom growth after the cut. Basically, the following applies to her: Without a cut, she looks the most beautiful and harmoniously designed.
reasons for a cut
Although Magnolia grandiflora grows beautifully naturally, there may be reasons to prune it. A cut may be appropriate when:
- the crown is too thin
- the growth pattern does not fit
- vigorous varieties should be kept small
- wide-growing varieties should be kept narrow
- the growth should be denser
when to cut
This species of magnolia should be pruned towards the end of winter, if at all. The best time for pruning is at the end of March. On a frost-free and overcast day, get your pruning tools out and get started!
how to cut
It is not advisable to make a one-off radical cut. On the other hand, this wood should be cut regularly and lightly. 'Regularly' can be understood to mean every one to two years. Then the crop shows a good regenerative capacity if the pruning has been carried out correctly.
The following should be removed: crossing, inward growing, old and diseased shoots. A clean and sharp cutting tool is used for this. It is advisable to apply tree wax (€12.96) to the cutting points that are larger than 2 cm in diameter.
It should also be noted that the flowers develop on last year's wood. If you cut back the entire annual growth, you have to do without flowers in summer. But in general, this species usually convinces with its ability to sprout again at the interfaces (even from the old wood).
tips and tricks
Magnolia grandiflora, also known as the evergreen magnolia, usually skilfully covers cuts all year round. The reason is their evergreen foliage.