How to Graft Japanese Magnolias
The Japanese magnolia, also commonly known as the tulip or saucer magnolia and scientifically referred to as Magnolia x soulangiana, is a cross between magnolia deundata and Magnolia liliiflora that is prized for its attractive bark and large pink to purple flowers. To maintain the desirable characteristics of a parent tree, the Japanese magnolia can be propagated vegetatively using a grafting method known as whip, whip-and-tongue or bench grafting. Does this Spark an idea?
Things You'll Need
- Parent tree
- Pruning shears
- Peat moss or sawdust
- Plastic bag or wrap
- Grafting knife
- Rootstock
- Wrapping material
Instructions
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1
Collect scions from the desired parent tree when the tree is dormant. Cut off sections of wood from the previous year's growth that have evenly spaced, singly arranged buds. The scion and rootstock should have about the same diameter as a pencil.
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2
Store the scions, if they will not be grafted onto the rootstock immediately, by placing them in moist peat moss or sawdust wrapped in plastic wrap or enclosing them in a plastic bag. Keep the scions refrigerated and out of sunlight until the graft can be performed.
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3
Prepare the rootstock. Make a 1-inch to 2-inch diagonal cut within a few inches of the ground or at whatever height will better match the scion size. Make a second cut about one-third of the way down the surface created with the first cut. The second cut should be parallel to the first cut and extend no further than the base of the first cut.
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Cut the scion in the same manner as the rootstock, with a long diagonal cut followed by a second shorter cut between the bark and the pith.
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Insert the scion into the rootstock so that the two are interlocking and the cambia, or portion of the stem between the bark and wood, are aligned.
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Wrap the union securely and tightly to ensure that the scion and rootstock will remain together and will not allow moisture or air to enter. A number of materials, including grafting wax, rubber budding bands and electrician's tape, can be used to wrap the graft.
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Care for the young magnolia following the grafting procedure. Keep the union shaded and protected from the elements until the cambiums heal together. Once the buds on the scion begin to exhibit growth, remove the wrapping material to prevent girdling. Remove any growth that the rootstock produces as it appears.
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Tips & Warnings
Perform the graft as quickly as possible to prevent desiccation.
References
- Photo Credit Photos.com/Photos.com/Getty Images
