This hybrid magnolia has excellent hardiness and a beautiful display of white flowers.
More Information
Native Geographic Location and Habitat
This is of hybrid origin. It is a cross between Magnolia kobus and Magnolia stellata.
Bark Description
Young bark is smooth and silvery gray, becoming slightly roughened with age.
Leaf Description
Simple leaves are arranged alternately on the stem and grow 4 to 6 inches long with an entire margin. Little to no fall color.
Flower Description
Flowers are solitary with six to twelve white or pinkish petals. They are mildly fragrant.
Fruit Description
The fruit is a pickle-shaped structure (aggregate) that matures from green to pink, then red. When mature the structure splits open to reveal seeds.
Care Knowledge
Plant Care
Plant only in spring. Pick a sheltered location to avoid damage from strong winds and plant in full sun for best flowering potential. Magnolias are shallow-rooted and benefit with a layer of mulch to moderate soil temperature fluctuation and conserve moisture. Prune after flowering.
Pests, Diseases, and Tolerances
Potential problems include magnolia scale, verticillium wilt, and chlorosis in high pH soils. Flowers are susceptible to frost damage.
Cultivars
Ballerina Loebner’s magnolia (Magnolia x loebneri ‘Ballerina’):
This cultivar grows 15 to 20 feet high and wide with a rounded form. It blooms early to mid-April and its flowers have numerous pure white petals that are pale pink at the base. Zones 4-8.
Leonard Messel Loebner’s magnolia (Magnolia x loebneri ‘Leonard Messel’):
This cultivar grows 25 to 30 feet high and 30-35 feet wide with a rounded form. It blooms in early to mid-April and its flowers have dark purple buds that open with a white interior. It is sensitive to drought conditions. Zone 4-8
Merrill Loebner’s magnolia (Magnolia x loebneri ‘Merrill’):
This cultivar grows 25 to 30 feet high and 30 to 35 feet wide with a rounded form and blooms early to mid-April. It is a fast growing tree with many strap-like petaled white flowers. It is sensitive to drought conditions. Zone 4-8.
