Magnolia x loebneri Merrill

Description

Magnolia Merrill

An excellent, very free-flowering magnolia cultivar, Magnolia x loebneri Merrill is a small, slow-growing, deciduous tree with a compact habit; it is suitable for a smaller garden, as it reaches a height and spread of 116/3.5 x 10/3m in 20 years. The oblong leaves are a glossy green. The fragrant flowers are white, with oblong tepals and the characteristic magnolia centre, and are borne in early spring, before the leaves emerge. Although it is fullyindeed, veryhardy, frosts can damage the flower buds. Mulch with well-rotted bark chips, garden compost or leaf-mould to keep moisture in the soil. It will grow in alkaline soils if reliably moist. Magnolia Merrill holds the RHS Award of Garden Merit.

Site: Sheltered from cold windsSoil: Moist but well-drained, preferably acid to neutral soilPosition: Full sun or partial shadeSeason of interest: Early springHardiness: Very hardyHeight: 13-26 (4-8m) Spread: 13-26 (4-8m) in 50 years

Photos by Manuel M.V. and licensed under CC BY 2.0.