Loebner Magnolia (Magnolia × loebneri ‘Merrill’)
Identifying Features
Plant Family: Magnoliaceae
Leaf: deciduous, alternate, simple, rounded, 4-6 inches long
Twig and Bud: twig slender with gray lenticels, bruised stems have sweet fragrance
Flower, Fruit and Seed: flowers are white and star-like, 4-6 inches wide, fruit is cone-like with red coated seeds
Bark: gray
Shape and Mature Height: rounded crown, typically multi-trunked, could be single-trunked, 20-30 feet tall
Garden Value and Considerations
Loebner magnolia grows best in rich, moist, well-drained soil in full sun or partial shade. It is intolerant of soil moisture extremes and urban pollutants. Large white flowers cover the tree in early spring before the foliage emerges. Flowers may be damaged by late spring frosts and should be planted in a protected site.
Notes
The dense, low branches of this and other magnolias provide protective cover to wildlife.
