When to cut back a Magnolia

markie6657

Good Afternoon, we have a lovely Magnolia however it is getting rather tall and we will need to have it cut back, please can anyone advise the best time of year for the work to take place, thank you

Hostafan1

Immediately after flowering , unless you're happy to lose next year's flowers, if so you could do it when it's dormant.

steephill

I think the answer is never - Magnolias don't like pruning. More advice here https://www.rhs.org.uk/plants/popular/magnolia/growing-guide

Hostafan1

steephill said:

I think the answer is never - Magnolias don't like pruning. More advice here https://www.rhs.org.uk/plants/popular/magnolia/growing-guide

I agree they don't like it, but @markie6657 says "it is getting rather tall and we will need to have it cut back" , there's only 2 options, prune  it , or lose it altogether.

steephill

I fear it may end up being both options, one after the other, if it throws up lots of water shoots and loses its shape and charm. A job for a professional I think if the tree is to have a long term future.

Obelixx

have a look at this info from the RHS.  Scroll down as needed - 

https://www.rhs.org.uk/plants/popular/magnolia/growing-guide