This hybrid magnolia has excellent hardiness and a beautiful display of white flowers.
Native geographic location and habitat:
This is of hybrid origin. It is a cross between Magnolia kobus and Magnolia stellata.
Bark color and texture:
Young bark is smooth and silvery gray, becoming slightly roughened with age.
Leaf or needle arrangement, size, shape, and texture:
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 arrangement, shape, and size:
Flowers are solitary with six to twelve white or pinkish petals. They are mildly fragrant.
Fruit, cone, nut, and seed descriptions:
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.
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.
List of pests, diseases, and tolerances:
Potential problems include magnolia scale, verticillium wilt, and chlorosis in high pH soils. Flowers are susceptible to frost damage.
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. 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. Zone 4-8
