Loebner magnolia (Magnolia  × loebneri ‘Merrill’) mag-NO-lee-ah ex LOBE-ner-eye Genus:  Magnolia This vigorous, erect tree grows from 20 to 30 feet tall and has star-shaped flowers with 15 broad white petals blushed with pink. The blossoms are fragrant and appear before the leaves in early to mid-spring. Care:  Grow in moist, well-drained, preferably acidic to neutral soil in sun or partial shade; magnolias do not tolerate wet feet. Magnolia flowerbuds are susceptible to late-season frosts; shelter large-leaved species from windy locations. Prune in late winter or late summer to prevent bleeding of sap; prune minimally to maintain a healthy framework. . Propagation:  Sow seeds in autumn or stratify to hasten germination. Root softwood cuttings in early summer. Magnolias can be layered in early spring, grafted in winter, and propagated by bud in summer. Problems:  Bacterial leaf spot, spot anthracnose, canker, dieback, butt rot, powdery mildew, anthracnose, fungal spots, weevils, snails, scale insects, thrips, planthoppers.

Overview

Height 15 ft. to 30 ft. Spread 15 ft. to 30 ft. Growth Habit Clumps Growth Pace Moderate Grower Light Full Sun to Part Shade Moisture Medium Moisture Maintenance Low Characteristics Fragrant Flowers, Showy Flowers, Showy Fruit Flower Color Pink, White Uses Beds and Borders, Cut Flower, Flowering Tree, Naturalizing, Specimen Plant/Focal Point Style Formal Garden, Woodland Garden Seasonal Interest Spring Interest Type Trees