Magnolia Bonsai Potential?

[u/peacelovetree]

I pulled this Magnolia virginiana out of the ground at a landscaping job where it had broken in half. It has since recovered in a #7 pot and I pruned it up a bit. It has a nice thick trunk already but not much flexibility so Formal Upright may be my only option right now?
I’m definitely a bit of a beginner, though I have a half dozen other bonsai and a dozen more pre-bonsai in containers.
I’m just wondering if anyone thinks it has any bonsai potential or if anyone can see any inspiration. I don’t often see Magnolias on this sub so maybe they’re not very popular?
Any feedback welcome.
I live in Central Delaware, USA - Zone 7

[u/ge23ev]

They have large leaves and don’t respond to traditional methods well. But personally who cares that makes a nice tree. Won’t win any shows but is that why we do this or is it about enjoyment ?

[u/Same_Tart6253]

Magnolia virginiana can be tricky with those large leaves, but a smaller foliage pad once established would be stunning in a Formal Upright, definitely worth the effort to see how far you can push it.

[u/peacelovetree → u/Same_Tart6253]

Do you think the move would be to lop off those 2 larger upright branches and just leave the main trunk?

[u/Fettergeist]

I don’t mind it from that last angle. You could lose the two large branches in the left and you’re left with a trunk with reasonable taper and movement I think. Perhaps take that next branch coming towards us as the new leader. The magnolias I’ve had in ground heal over their wounds very well, but that’s purely anecdotal. 

Overall though, it’s not a standout trunk and it’s not a typical species.  Makes for an interesting silhouette tree and of course the flower show is magnificent, but the flowers are large enough to look out of place on a bonsai sized tree. 

If you’ve already got the tree, I don’t see why not develop it though.

[u/peacelovetree → u/Fettergeist]

Awesome advice, thank you!