How to Graft Deciduous Magnolia

Magnolia is a genus that encompasses 80 different trees and shrubs. Magnolias are native to Asia and the areas of the eastern Americas that are north of the equator. Magnolias are predominantly cultivated for their stunning flowers, which come in shades of white, pink, green, purple and yellow. If you want a magnolia tree with more than one color of flower, then you'll need to use a technique called grafting.

Grafting knife
Two different kinds of magnolias
Grafting tape

Instructions

- 1
  Determine which magnolia will be the main tree, or root stalk, and which you'll only take a piece from --- the scion. Both magnolia plants must be healthy and just leaving dormancy.
- 2
  Make a square cut around the leaf bud of the magnolia scion, and gently pull the leaf bud off the tree.
- 3
  Make a square cut of equal size on the root stalk.
- 4
  Place the scion into the root stalk, trying to match up as much of the cambial layers --- thin green layers --- as possible.
- 5
  Wrap the tree with grafting tape, leaving only the leaf bud exposed. Wrap as tightly as you can to hold the scion in place.

How to Transplant Lily of the Nile

How Fast Do Flower Roots Grow?

Flower Basics