Magnolia Dr Merrell

Dr Merrell Magnolia

Magnolia × loebneri ‘Merrill’ (Dr. Merrill Magnolia) is a deciduous shrub or small tree with a vigorous, rounded to broad habit, featuring dark green foliage and masses of fragrant, star-like white flowers lightly blushed pink at the base. It blooms in early to mid-spring before the leaves emerge and is especially valued for flowering heavily at a young age, good winter hardiness, and blooming late enough to avoid some frost damage. It is a hybrid of Magnolia kobus × Magnolia stellata.

Type: Shrub / small tree
Mature Size: 20–30' W × 20–30' H
USDA Zones: 5a–9b
Form: Rounded to broad, multi-stemmed or small tree form

Light: Full sun to part shade
Soil / Water: Rich, moist, well-drained, slightly acidic soils; moderate water, prefers consistent moisture during establishment
Bloom Time / Length: Early to mid-spring; moderate (about 2–3 weeks)

Wildlife: Bees

Features & Landscape Uses:
Excellent for specimen planting, mixed shrub borders, and larger foundation or lawn areas. Its floriferous white blooms, fragrance, and reliable hardiness make it one of the best Loebner magnolias for a strong early spring display.

Care:
Plant in a protected site with fertile, well-drained soil. Water regularly while establishing, mulch to keep roots cool and evenly moist, and prune only if needed after flowering. Spring planting is often recommended for best establishment. 

Plant type

Deciduous Tree, Flowering Ornamental Tree

Height

20-30'

Width

20-30'

Hardiness zones

5–8

Sunlight

Full Sun, Partial Shade

Growth rate

Fast

Bloom time

Early Spring, Mid Spring

Flower color

White

Leaf color

Green

Fall color

Yellow

Attracts

Bees

Soil

Clay, Moist well-drained, Rich, Slightly Acidic

Landscape use

Accent Plant, Specimen

Shape

Broad, Clump, Oval, Rounded

Fragrant

Yes

Drought tolerant

No