Magnolia × loebneri ‘Encore’

Slow-growing and very floriferous, Magnolia x loebneri ‘Encore’ is a medium to large deciduous shrub or small tree of remarkable beauty when in full bloom. Opening from soft pink buds, the fragrant white flowers are adorned with a delicate pink tinge inside their 20-25 tepals. Interestingly, the flowers are grouped with up to 4 of them at the tip of the branches, increasing the floral display. Opening in succession for a long-lasting spectacle, they bloom in early spring, before the foliage of obovate leaves unfurl. While very hardy, its blooms, like those of most early blooming Magnolias, are susceptible to late frosts.

• Grows with a bushy, rounded habit, up to 8-15 ft. tall (2-5 m) and 6-15 ft. wide (2-5 m)
• A full sun to part shade lover, this plant is best grown in consistently moist, slightly acidic, organically rich, well-drained soils. Neutral to slightly alkaline soils are also suitable for growth if the soil is moisture retentive. Magnolias are adaptable to clay, loam or sandy soils, but most grow poorly in wet or poorly drained soils. Provide a site sheltered from cold, dry winds as buds and flowers may be damaged by cold winds. Late frosts may damage flower buds too.
• May be attacked by horse chestnut scale, snails and capsid bug, coral spot, honey fungus.
• Spectacular as a specimen plant for dramatic spring blooms. Great flowering tree for city gardens or cottage gardens.
• Magnolia pruning should be carried out in midsummer when in full leaf
• Deciduous Magnolias are best planted when dormant, in late fall or winter in warmer climates and early spring in cold climates. Evergreen magnolias are best planted in early spring. For the first 6 to 12 months after planting, both types will benefit from mulch and regular irrigation during warm or dry weather.
• Propagate by softwood cuttings in early summer or semi-hardwood cuttings in late summer