Photo: 三上 勝生, CC BY-SA 2.1 jp · source
Pruning guide · Climber
Chinese magnolia vine: when and how to prune
Schisandra chinensis
Chinese magnolia vine is best pruned in February–March and July.
| Pruning months | February–March and July |
|---|---|
| Nesting season (15 March–15 August) | Take care in March and July |
| Flowering | April–May |
| Native to Belgium | No, planted |
Chinese magnolia vine: when to prune it?
In February–March, before it comes into leaf. Pruning is not strictly necessary, but it keeps the plant in check.
Chinese magnolia vine: how to prune it?
- Remove dead, weak and tangled stems.
- Shorten over-long side shoots to a few buds.
- Cut out old stems that hardly flower any more at the base.
- In summer, shorten shoots that reach too far.
How much to cut, and how often?
- There are 2 pruning periods a year: February–March and July. You don’t have to prune in every one.
What does it mean for wildlife?
- Pruning in March and July can fall in the nesting season (15 March–15 August). Check carefully for nesting birds first: disturbing an active nest is against the law.
- Prunings can go on a dead hedge or brash pile in a corner of the garden: shelter for hedgehogs, wrens and insects.
Common mistakes
- Clipping without first checking for nesting birds.
Nearby: related pruning guides
Plant profile: Chinese magnolia vine · Pruning calendar and basic rules
This guide is compiled from the Bladwijzer plant profile and pruning calendar.