Cutting is not absolutely necessary
Since the star magnolia grows slowly, it takes time to get out of shape. Usually it is naturally beautiful. Therefore, a cut is not always necessary. She gets along well without getting to know the pruning shears ...
also read
- Reasons for brown leaves on the star magnolia
- Star magnolia: Prevent late frost damage during flowering
- Caring for the star magnolia: neglect but don't forget
Cut yes, but carefully
If you want to cut your star magnolia, you should not make the cut too radical. It does not tolerate radical cuts. It would be best to just expose them. This can happen every two to four years.
Caution: Young star magnolias in particular can be quickly damaged by too strong a cut. In addition, a heavy pruning often leads to holes in the plant. It does not like to sprout again on old branches ... So refrain from such a cut.
When can the star magnolia be cut?
The best time to cut is right after the star magnolia blooms. It blooms between March and April. The cut should ideally be carried out in June - there is no more frost.
How to cut correctly - instructions
You should proceed as follows:
- Sharpen and disinfect loppers or saws
- cut directly at the branch (do not leave any stumps)
- remove crossing shoots
- remove inwardly growing branches
- Completely cut away sick and rotten branches
- Remove shoots competing with the main stem
- Remove water shoots (steep drives)
- leave three to five scaffold shoots
- Brush large cuts with tree wax (€ 5.99 on Amazon *)
Cutting for propagation
A good side benefit of pruning is gaining potential cuttings. The star magnolia can be propagated well 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 blunt scissors or saws to cut the star magnolia. Unclean cut edges increase the risk of pathogens nestling in the wood.
