Q Can I take cuttings from my star magnolia?
Sue Hughes, by email
AMATT SAYS The easiest way to propagate Magnolia stellata is use a process called layering. This involves burying a lowgrowing stem, which should eventually take root and form a new plant.
In spring, choose a healthy young stem close to the ground. About 30cm back from the tip, make shallow slicing cut at a node, ideally through a leaf bud, removing the leaf. Then take a small piece of stem and wedge it into the cut to keep it open.
Next, dig a trench 10-15cm deep and place some grit in the base. Secure the section of stem with the cut into the trench using a couple of U-shaped pieces of stiff wire. Cover the cut section with soil, ensuring the stem tip pokes out the end. Put a short vertical cane at the end of the stem and loosely tie in the tip, so it grows upright. Water regularly through the growing season.
Your layered branch should have its own roots by the end of the following year, and can then be severed from the parent plant.