Magnolia Stellata advice

[Thundie]

I have been trying to dip my toe into deciduous trees and I just got a Magnolia stellata from the local nursery and I had a few questions about pruning hopefully someone was able to answer. They currently have white tips all over, which I assume are the flower buds.

When should I prune these? How hard can I prune these? Do I need to leave some leaves/buds or can I cut way back onto the stem?
From what I have read the flowers bloom before the leaves and I should cut after the flowers but before the leaves, is this true? If so doesn't this affect the trees health as it is already pushing and swelling the buds?

Any guidance would be welcome!

 

[PowerTap]

My habit as been to prune after flowers have bloomed, before leaves come out. That way you get the flowers and a clear view of the tree. I also trim once in mid summer to cut back long running growth. You can also cut leaves in half to let more light into the interior.

I cut anything that needs trimming to 2-3 buds/leaves. This encourages ramification and has worked well for me to date.

They seem to throw off new buds from the trunk pretty readily, so I'm becoming more comfortable cutting back branches hard. But I've read you should leave a sub on any thick cuts to prevent die back.

 

[Potawatomi13]

My habit as been to prune after flowers have bloomed, before leaves come out. That way you get the flowers and a clear view of the tree. I also trim once in mid summer to cut back long running growth. You can also cut leaves in half to let more light into the interior.

I cut anything that needs trimming to 2-3 buds/leaves. This encourages ramification and has worked well for me to date.

They seem to throw off new buds from the trunk pretty readily, so I'm becoming more comfortable cutting back branches hard. But I've read you should leave a sub on any thick cuts to prevent die back.

Do not let the roots freeze or the tree is dead. These have fleshy tender roots.

 

[PowerTap]

Do not let the roots freeze or the tree is dead. These have fleshy tender roots.

I respectfully disagree! I've kept mine outside three winters running and it's been fine every year. We had a 2 week cold snap below freezing this year and all I did was put it on the ground. No issues.

 

[Thundie]

My habit as been to prune after flowers have bloomed, before leaves come out. That way you get the flowers and a clear view of the tree. I also trim once in mid summer to cut back long running growth. You can also cut leaves in half to let more light into the interior.

I cut anything that needs trimming to 2-3 buds/leaves. This encourages ramification and has worked well for me to date.

They seem to throw off new buds from the trunk pretty readily, so I'm becoming more comfortable cutting back branches hard. But I've read you should leave a sub on any thick cuts to prevent die back.

My flower buds aren't even swelling yet it seems and it leafing out. It has been a weird spring here in Finland so maybe that has something to do with it. When do you think would be good to cut back if the dont push flowers?

 

[PowerTap]

My flower buds aren't even swelling yet it seems and it leafing out. It has been a weird spring here in Finland so maybe that has something to do with it. When do you think would be good to cut back if the dont push flowers?

I would say just when you start to see leaves coming out. I'm guessing you are a lot further north than me, so it.makes sense that is would still be waking up.

 

[roberthu]

Do not let the roots freeze or the tree is dead. These have fleshy tender roots.

This is very true based on my personal experience. I thought they were hardy enough to be left outside in Atlanta GA. They made through 3 winters outside without issue. However, this past winter we had a few straight days around 20F and the tree didn't make it. I didn't repot or prune heavily last year. If in doubt, always greenhouse it.

 

[leatherback]

This is very true based on my personal experience. I thought they were hardy enough to be left outside in Atlanta GA. They made through 3 winters outside without issue. However, this past winter we had a few straight days around 20F and the tree didn't make it. I didn't repot or prune heavily last year. If in doubt, always greenhouse it.

Star Magnolia (Magnolia stellata)

Grow a Star Magnolia (Magnolia stellata) for its delicate and beautiful star-shaped flowers that bloom in early spring.

www.gardenia.net

Hardiness: zone 4-9

In general it is good to keep plants from freezing through and through. But a frosty period in winter, with a tree properly cooled down in fall, should be no issue in zone 7 if the pot is on the ground or mulched in.

 

[Azz]

I would say just when you start to see leaves coming out. I'm guessing you are a lot further north than me, so it.makes sense that is would still be waking up.

It seems that my flower buds died over winter/spring. Maybe dried out, or got hit hard by the weird spring. I got it from the local nursery so who knows?

Do you happen to know if they can be defoliated/partially defoliated?

 

[penumbra]

Late to this thread, but we had a late hard freeze after most of my plants were on the bench. It was a bout 24 - 26F and I lost 4 of my 8 magnolias.