Magnolia loebneri Merrill

Loebner's Magnolia

Magnolia × loebneri ‘Merrill’ (Merrill Magnolia) is a vigorous, deciduous shrub or small tree with a 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 a strong floral display. 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 lawn or accent use. Its fragrant white blooms, floriferous habit, 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. 

Plant type

Deciduous Tree, Flowering Ornamental Tree

Height

20-30'

Width

20-30'

Hardiness zones

5–9

Sunlight

Full Sun

Growth rate

Moderate

Bloom time

Early Spring, Mid Spring

Flower color

White

Leaf color

Green

Fall color

Green

Attracts

Bees

Soil

Moist well-drained, Rich, Slightly Acidic

Landscape use

Accent Plant, Hedge, Specimen

Shape

Broad, Clump, Rounded

Bark

Smooth

Fruit

Yes

Fragrant

Yes

Deer resistant

Yes

Drought tolerant

No