Magnolia × loebneri ‘Merrill’

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 unfurls. Each fragrant blossom is packed with 15 broad tepals delicately blushed with pink at their base. Having nearly as many tepals as 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 20 years to enjoy its lovely blooms!

This plant is a hybrid Magnolia resulting from a cross between Magnolia kobus and Magnolia 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 cold winds may damage buds and flowers. 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