Alphabetical Plant Listing

Magnolia × loebneri 'Merrill'

Magnolia 'Merrill', Merrill Magnolia


Vigorous and very free-flowering, award-winning Magnolia × loebneri 'Merrill' is an outstanding small deciduous tree. In early to mid-spring, masses of large white flowers, 4 in. across (10 cm), appear before the foliage of oblong leaves unfurl. Each fragrant blossom is packed with 15 broad tepals which are delicately blushed with pink at their base. Having nearly as many tepals as those of the Star Magnolia, the flowers resemble a starburst too, but their wider tepals give them more substance. Another excellent feature about 'Merrill' is that it blooms at a young age and there is no need to wait for 20 years to enjoy its lovely blooms!

This plant is a hybrid Magnolia resulting from a cross between Magnolia kobus and Magniola stellata ‘Rosea’. Blooming later than the earliest Magnolias, the flowers of 'Merrill' are less susceptible than most Magnolias to late frosts.

  • Grows with an upright, oval, and dense branching habit, up to 20-30 ft. tall and wide (6-9 m)
  • Winner of the prestigious Award of Garden Merit of the Royal Horticultural Society.
  • 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, and 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

Magnolia Tree: How to Grow and Care with Success

Want to learn how to grow and care for a magnolia tree like a pro? Follow these simple steps and enjoy the beauty of this striking treeRead More

Not sure which Magnolia to pick?
Compare All Magnolia

Buy Magnolia × loebneri 'Merrill'

Requirements

Hardiness 5 – 9
Heat Zones 5 – 9
Climate Zones 2B, 3, 3A, 3B, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24
Plant Type Trees
Plant Family Magnolia
Exposure Full Sun, Partial Sun
Season of Interest Spring (Early,Mid)
Height 20' – 30' (6m – 9m)
Spread 20' – 30' (6m – 9m)
Water Needs Average
Maintenance Low
Soil Type Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid, Neutral
Soil Drainage Moist but Well-Drained, Well-Drained
Characteristics Cut Flowers, Fragrant, Plant of Merit, Showy
Attracts Birds, Butterflies
Garden Uses Beds and Borders, Patio and Containers
Garden Styles City and Courtyard, Informal and Cottage, Traditional Garden

Buy Plants

Guides with Magnolia


sainaniritu / 123RF Stock Photo

While every effort has been made to describe these plants accurately, please keep in mind that height, bloom time, and color may differ in various climates. The description of these plants has been written based on numerous outside resources.


Requirements

Hardiness 5 – 9
Heat Zones 5 – 9
Climate Zones 2B, 3, 3A, 3B, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24
Plant Type Trees
Plant Family Magnolia
Exposure Full Sun, Partial Sun
Season of Interest Spring (Early,Mid)
Height 20' – 30' (6m – 9m)
Spread 20' – 30' (6m – 9m)
Water Needs Average
Maintenance Low
Soil Type Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid, Neutral
Soil Drainage Moist but Well-Drained, Well-Drained
Characteristics Cut Flowers, Fragrant, Plant of Merit, Showy
Attracts Birds, Butterflies
Garden Uses Beds and Borders, Patio and Containers
Garden Styles City and Courtyard, Informal and Cottage, Traditional Garden

Guides with Magnolia

Plant Calculator

How many Magnolia × loebneri 'Merrill' do I need for my garden?

%
ft
ft

Your Shopping List

Plant Quantity
Magnolia × loebneri 'Merrill'

Find your Hardiness Zone

Find your Climate Zone

Find your Heat Zone

Join Gardenia.net

Create a membership account to save your garden designs and to view them on any device.

Becoming a contributing member of Gardenia is easy and can be done in just a few minutes. If you provide us with your name, email address and the payment of a modest $25 annual membership fee, you will become a full member, enabling you to design and save up to 25 of your garden design ideas.

Join now and start creating your dream garden!

Create a New Collection

Optional. For your reference.


Move Selected Plants to a Different Collection


Delete Collection

This field is required.

Rename Collection

This field is required.