Pruning Magnolia

somccabe · Rank attained: Hazel Tree Joined: 29 Feb 2008 Posts: 10

Hi all.
JUst wondering if anyone can help. I have a Magnolia Soulangeana which I planted about 4 years ago. Its doing ok, I've even been getting a few flowers each year. The question I want to ask is how many stems should I leave on it? Currently there are 7 old stems and 6 newer ones. Am I right in saying that with Magnolia the shole stem should be removed at ground level? I've attached a photo. There is very little advice on the web so I'd be delighted to hear from someone in the know.

Regards,

Sharon

Greengage · Posted: Mon Mar 05, 2012 5:45 pm Post subject:

I would not ever prune a Magnolia, but if you do have to prune it do so after flowering, you can then prune back some of the unsightly branches and also cut back some of the main branches to an outside leaf scar where they will re-shoot. Magnolias are beautiful trees and they do not like to be over pruned

somccabe · Rank attained: Hazel Tree Joined: 29 Feb 2008 Posts: 10

Thanks Greenage.
I'm just worried that 13 stems is too many. Would this be normal for a Magnolia?

Regards,

Sharon

Greengage · Posted: Tue Mar 06, 2012 5:48 pm Post subject:

yes it looks like it was coppiced leave only 3 and let them develop. I dont mean to be critical but I think you have ruined a lovely plant by pruning it so hard.

somccabe · Rank attained: Hazel Tree Joined: 29 Feb 2008 Posts: 10

I didn't prune it. Haven't touched it since I bought it in 2007. Pretty sure the company I bought it off hadn't pruned it either. It seems to have sprouted a lot of stems in the past 2 seasons.

Greengage · Posted: Tue Mar 06, 2012 8:21 pm Post subject:

very strange ive only ever seen them with single stem then numerous branches off it, Are the flowers white or pink and are you sure its not stellata. Then again it could be Magnolia soulangia Liliflora nigra ive seen them multistemmed.

somccabe · Rank attained: Hazel Tree Joined: 29 Feb 2008 Posts: 10

Its definitely not Stellata. I specifically wanted M Soulangeana but I've always had a feeling that I was sent the wrong tree. The flower buds are purplish opening up to pinkish. There are buds appearing so I will post a photo once they are out.