When Can I Prune My Japanese Magnolia?

Japanese magnolia, also called saucer magnolia, is a large shrub or tree with a striking feature: huge flowers that burst from big, fuzzy buds.

Time Frame

Wait until after the blooming period to prune the Japanese magnolia. While most flowering trees are pruned in early spring, the Japanese magnolia has set its buds by that time and pruning will reduce flowering.

Strategy

Determine why you are pruning before you begin. If it is to control growth, or just to clean up dead wood, knowing why you are pruning helps you devise a strategy.

Considerations

Cut out dead wood, weak wood and any branches crossing over others or growing in an undesirable fashion all the way back to their points of origin. Use sharp pruning equipment to avoid crushing the wood.

References

• Floridata: Magnolia x Soulangeana
• LSU Ag Center: Pruning Perfection
• "The Gardener's Guide to Planting and Growing Trees"; Michael Buffin; 2007