How to Propagate a Deciduous Magnolia Through Layering

Layering is a fantastic way to make more free plants with very little risk. Propagating a plant through layering usually involves pinning down a branch to make contact with the soil so that the branch can begin forming roots.  I’ve used layering to propagate more difficult to root plants like oak leaf hydrangeas.  

Below you will find a short video I put together on layering a deciduous magnolia (‘Jane’).  It took a few months for the magnolia roots to form but as you can see in the video the layering technique was very successful.

‘Jane’ Magnolia liliflora ‘Reflorescens’ x stellate ‘Waterlily’

Zones: 4-7
Growth Rate: Slow
Sun: Morning Sun Afternoon Shade
Height: 10′-15′
Soil: Well drained, rich, moist

How to Propagate a ‘Jane’ Magnolia through Layering

The only disadvantage to rooting a plant through layering is that you are limited in the amount of material you can produce.  That’s not really a problem if you are just make a plant or two for yourself or a friend.

Steps to Propagating a ‘Jane’ Magnolia

• Find a low hanging branch from your ‘Jane’ magnolia that will reach the soil.
• Scrape or make a small cut underneath a node. Nodes are the growing buds on the plant that produce leaves and branches. They can also start roots in the right conditions. Cutting under the node induces callusing which is where the roots will form.
• Take a small amount of rooting hormone and put it on the cut/scrape. This isn’t necessary but may speed the process a little.
• Pin the magnolia cutting down under a rock and wait for the roots to begin forming. It may take some time, give it several weeks at a minimum.
• When your Magnolia has roots you can sever the connection to the main plant. Then you can pot up your newly propagated ‘Jane’ Magnolia or plant it in a new location.

Here you can find more information on plant propagation.