How to prune lily magnolia

Immediately after flowering (late spring to early summer). Use clean, sharp secateurs or loppers. Cut back to a healthy lateral or bud just after bloom, removing no more than necessary. Do not cut into the main framework unless removing dead wood entirely.

As needed — light tidying annually; avoid heavy cuts. Magnolia liliiflora blooms on the previous year's wood and needs very little pruning. Remove dead or crossing branches after flowering. Light shaping can help maintain a multi-stemmed shrub form. Avoid heavy pruning, which removes next year's flower buds and leaves large wounds that heal slowly on magnolias.

Use clean, sharp secateurs or loppers. Cut back to a healthy lateral or bud just after bloom, removing no more than necessary. Do not cut into the main framework unless removing dead wood entirely.