Four years ago we planted a dwarf (?) magnolia and at that time it was a shapely 4 foot tree. It has grown to over 7 feet and is growing in an awkward shape. Thinking it was a slow growing dwarf we planted it near (not too near) a driveway and a sidewalk. What can we do to manage the growth rate and shape and size of this beauty? It produces flowers most of the year between April and November in our warm climate. Thanks, Bob
Probably Magnolia grandiflora 'Little Gem'. Grows into a columnar tree 20 feet or more tall, unless trained into an espalier or otherwise manipulated. You can try heading back branches you don't want to maintain the shape you do want. Or just let it continue on into its natural, narrow shape. It is common for propagations to grow as shrubs for some years, then pull themselves up later. Some older plants I have seen here were quite narrow.
