endure up to its name , the star magnolia ( Magnolia stellata ) produce scores of fragrant , ashen starfish - like flower in spring before its leaves egress . A well - determine multi - stemmed big bush , this magnolia should not require pruning , but an occasional errant outgrowth or sprig should be earmarked for removal in former autumn to prevent ample bleeding of sap . Do not over - prune as wound may not cure dead , and you will lessen the following spring ’s peak display .

Step 1

canvas the arm structure of the star magnolia and note the areas that warrant formation . Ideally , only modest twigs , with diameters small than that of a No . 2 pencil , postulate removal to attain your desired shape . Remember that you do n’t want to remove too many branches since the genius magnolia usually has a good branch body structure .

Step 2

Look for a lower branch junction where you could make the pruning cut on each branch you wish well to trim .

Step 3

Trim the arm tips back to a lower , live branch or bud , making the pruning cut 1/4 - inch above the arm conjunction or bud .

Step 4

move out any pathologic , rotten or dead ramification during this formation project .

Step 5

Allow the plant to grow without further pruning for two to four growing seasons . Repeated or annual pruning on a star magnolia is a speculative practice session and probably will smash the natural structure of the shrub and create odd flowering in spring .

Tip

If a subdivision is great than 1/2 - inch in diameter and needs to be move out , use a pruner rather than a small hand - held pruners . The good sentence to prune the champion magnolia in North America is mid - September to mid - October so you get the best opinion of the branch complex body part and pruning wounds can mend before the onset of wintertime . Repeat step 1 through 3 , exhaustively see the plant before decide on throw the pruning gash . You do n’t want to remove too many branch since the star topology magnolia usually has a proficient arm structure .

Warning

Do not rationalise the mavin magnolia in bound or summer when new bud , flush or leaves are actively growing . The period of sap in the plant is vigorous , and too many pruning wounding will lead to prominent total of sap haemorrhage from the plant , preventing the natural callousing of the pruning wounds .

References

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