Magnolia Stellata advice

[Thundie]

I have been trying to dip my toe into deciduous trees and I just got a Magnolia stellata from the local nursery and I had a few questions about pruning hopefully someone was able to answer. They currently have white tips all over, which I assume are the flower buds.

When should I prune these? How hard can I prune these? Do I need to leave some leaves/buds or can I cut way back onto the stem?
From what I have read the flowers bloom before the leaves and I should cut after the flowers but before the leaves, is this true? If so doesn't this affect the trees health as it is already pushing and swelling the buds?

Any guidance would be welcome!

 

[PowerTap]

My habit as been to prune after flowers have bloomed, before leaves come out. That way you get the flowers and a clear view of the tree. I also trim once in mid summer to cut back long running growth. You can also cut leaves in half to let more light into the interior.

I cut anything that needs trimming to 2-3 buds/leaves. This encourages ramification and has worked well for me to date.

They seem to throw off new buds from the trunk pretty readily, so I'm becoming more comfortable cutting back branches hard. But I've read you should leave a sub on any thick cuts to prevent die back.

 

[Potawatomi13]

My habit as been to prune after flowers have bloomed, before leaves come out. That way you get the flowers and a clear view of the tree. I also trim once in mid summer to cut back long running growth. You can also cut leaves in half to let more light into the interior.

I cut anything that needs trimming to 2-3 buds/leaves. This encourages ramification and has worked well for me to date.

They seem to throw off new buds from the trunk pretty readily, so I'm becoming more comfortable cutting back branches hard. But I've read you should leave a sub on any thick cuts to prevent die back.

Do not let the roots freeze or the tree is dead. These have fleshy tender roots.

 

[PowerTap]

Do not let the roots freeze or the tree is dead. These have fleshy tender roots.

I respectfully disagree! I've kept mine outside three winters running and it's been fine every year. We had a 2 week cold snap below freezing this year and all I did was put it on the ground. No issues.