Saucer magnolias (Magnolia x soulangeana), called exceptionally productive bloomers and moderate growers, have flowers resembling a goblet with petals that open into a saucer-like contour — hence the common name. Saucer magnolias are hardy at U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 5 through 9. The plants typically blossom early, and respond best to mid summer pruning.
Identify broken, insect-infested, and diseased limbs and limbs; label them with fluorescent tape.
Undercut unhealthy magnolia jumps halfway through with a handsaw or rod saw 8 to 12 inches away from the trunk. Meet the undercut at the middle of the limb with an overcut, severing the limb from the tree.
Undercut that the magnolia limb’s stub in a moderately upward angle in the branch collar with the rod saw or handsaw. Make an overcut, ensuring it meets the undercut while maintaining the angle, to sever the stub.
Identify a few of the tallest and widest-spreading branches and label them with fluorescent tape. Cut back thin branches utilizing the rod saw or bypass hand pruners.
Locate hardy vertical branches, referred to as water shoots, following the initial pruning season. Should you get them in time, then rub the water take buds out from hand. If not, prune up to half of these away to maintain the aesthetics of this tree and bend the remainder back to inhibit vigor.
