How to Shape a Star Magnolia Tree
Living up to its name, the star magnolia (Magnolia stellata) produces scores of fragrant, white starfish-like flowers in spring before its leaves emerge. A well-shaped multi-stemmed large shrub, this magnolia should not require pruning, but an occasional errant branch or twig should be earmarked for removal in early autumn to prevent copious bleeding of sap. Do not over-prune as wounds may not heal perfectly, and you will diminish the following spring's flower display.
Examine the branch structure of the star magnolia and note the areas that warrant shaping. Ideally, only small twigs, with diameters smaller than that of a No. 2 pencil, need removal to attain your desired shape. Remember that you don't want to remove too many branches since the star magnolia usually has a good branch structure.
- Living up to its name, the star magnolia (Magnolia stellata) produces scores of fragrant, white starfish-like flowers in spring before its leaves emerge.
- A well-shaped multi-stemmed large shrub, this magnolia should not require pruning, but an occasional errant branch or twig should be earmarked for removal in early autumn to prevent copious bleeding of sap.
Look for a lower branch junction where you could make the pruning cut on each branch you wish to trim.
Trim the branch tips back to a lower, living branch or bud, making the pruning cut 1/4-inch above the branch junction or bud.
Remove any diseased, rotten or dead branches during this shaping project.
Allow the plant to grow without further pruning for two to four growing seasons. Repeated or annual pruning on a star magnolia is a bad practice and likely will ruin the natural structure of the shrub and create uneven flowering in springtime.
Tip
If a branch is greater than 1/2-inch in diameter and needs to be removed, use a loppers rather than a small hand-held pruners. The best time to prune the star magnolia in North America is mid-September to mid-October so you get the best view of the branch structure and pruning wounds can heal before the onset of winter.
Repeat Steps 1 through 3, thoroughly examining the plant before deciding on making the pruning cuts. You don't want to remove too many branches since the star magnolia usually has a good branch structure.
Warning
Do not prune the star magnolia in spring or summer when new buds, flowers or leaves are actively growing. The flow of sap in the plant is vigorous, and too many pruning wounds will lead to large amounts of sap bleeding from the plant, preventing the natural callousing of the pruning wounds.
Related Articles
References
- Clemson Cooperative Extension: Pruning Shrubs
- "A-Z Encyclopedia of Garden Plants"; Christopher Brickell and H. Marc Cathey, eds.; 2004.
- N.C. State Univ.: Pruning Shrubs
Tips
- If a branch is greater than 1/2-inch in diameter and needs to be removed, use a loppers rather than a small hand-held pruners.
- The best time to prune the star magnolia in North America is mid-September to mid-October so you get the best view of the branch structure and pruning wounds can heal before the onset of winter.
- Repeat Steps 1 through 3, thoroughly examining the plant before deciding on making the pruning cuts. You don't want to remove too many branches since the star magnolia usually has a good branch structure.
Warnings
- Do not prune the star magnolia in spring or summer when new buds, flowers or leaves are actively growing. The flow of sap in the plant is vigorous, and too many pruning wounds will lead to large amounts of sap bleeding from the plant, preventing the natural callousing of the pruning wounds.
Writer Bio
Jacob J. Wright became a full-time writer in 2008, with articles appearing on various websites. He has worked professionally at gardens in Colorado, Florida, Minnesota, New York, North Carolina and Pennsylvania. Wright holds a graduate diploma in environmental horticulture from the University of Melbourne, Australia, and a Master of Science in public horticulture from the University of Delaware.
