Magnolia Merrill

An excellent, very free-flowering magnolia cultivar, Magnolia x loebneri Merrill is a small, slow-growing, deciduous tree with a compact habit; it is suitable for a smaller garden, as it reaches a height and spread of 11’6”/3.5 x 10/3m in 20 years. The oblong leaves are a glossy green. The fragrant flowers are white, with oblong tepals and the characteristic magnolia centre, and are borne in early spring, before the leaves emerge. Although it is fully – indeed, very – hardy, frosts can damage the flower buds. Mulch with well-rotted bark chips, garden compost or leaf-mould to keep moisture in the soil. It will grow in alkaline soils if reliably moist. Magnolia Merrill holds the RHS Award of Garden Merit.

Site: Sheltered from cold winds
Soil: Moist but well-drained, preferably acid to neutral soil
Position: Full sun or partial shade
Season of interest: Early spring
Hardiness: Very hardy
Height: 13-26’ (4-8m) Spread: 13-26’ (4-8m) in 50 years

Photos by Manuel M.V. and licensed under CC BY 2.0.