Dr. Merrill Magnolia

Magnolia x loebneri ‘Dr. Merrill’

Other Common Names: Loebner Magnolia. Merrill Magnolia

Plant Details

USDA Plant Hardiness Zones: 4a-9b Find Your Zone

Deciduous Flowering Tree

Height at Maturity: 20-25′

Width at Maturity: 20-25′

Spacing: 30’+ for space between plants

Growth Habit / Form: Upright, Broad, Rounded

Flower Color: White flushed with Soft Pink

Flower Size: Large, 6″ diameter

Flowering Period: Early Spring, just before new leaves emerge

Flower Type: Double

Fragrant Flowers: Yes

Foliage Color: Dark Green

Fragrant Foliage: No

Sun Needs: Full Sun or Mostly Sun, Morning Sun with Dappled or Afternoon Shade, Morning Shade with Evening Sun

Water Needs: Average, Low when established

Soil Type: Clay (amend heavy clay soil to ensure good drainage), Loam, Sand, Silt

Soil Moisture / Drainage: Moist But Well Drained, drought tolerant when established

Soil pH: 5.0 – 6.5 (Acid to Slightly Acid)

Maintenance / Care: Low

Attracts: Visual Attention

Resistances: Deer, Disease, Drought, Heat, Humidity, Insect

Description

A cross between Japanese natives Magnolia stellata (star magnolia) and Magnolia kobus (Kobus magnolia) that bred at the Arnold Arboretum of Harvard University in the late 1930’s, the Dr. Merrill Magnolia is vigorous grower reaching 20 to 25 feet tall and wide over time. It puts on a spectacular and unrivaled show in early spring prior to the emergence of 5-inch long obovate, dark green foliage. Fragrant, 6-inch wide double flowers with 15 or more white petals blushed with pink are perched at the ends of every stem, showering the tree for an absolutely amazing and showstopping display. Our cutting-grown specimens bloom at a very young age so you’re sure to get flowers the first spring after planting. Attractive cone-like fruits ripen to a vibrant red in autumn. A magnificent tree that will always have you looking forward to spring!

The common name honors Dr. Elmer Merrill, the administrator of botanical collections at Harvard University, as well as a botany professor who was appointed director of the Arnold Arboretum of Harvard University in 1935.The scientific name honors German horticulturist Max Löebner who was first to make the cross between these two species in the early 20th century. This cross has produced arguably the most magnificent cultivars of the genus.

Landscape & Garden Uses

Growing upright with a rounded form to 20 to 30 feet tall and wide, the Dr. Merrill Magnolia is ideal for use as a specimen or in groupings in sunny landscape and woodland borders or to frame tall homes or other buildings. Also nice around patios, decks and other other outdoor living spaces where the tree will provide some shade and the beautiful and fragrant flowers can be enjoyed from up close. As the tree grows taller lower branches can be removed to a desired height to expose more trunk. Can also be grown in large pots, planters and containers of 18 inches or more in rim diameter however, at some point, will eventually need to be transplanted to the landscape where it can reach its full size. A fine addition to white theme gardens, fragrance gardens, cut flower gardens, or the cottage garden.

Growing Preferences

The Dr. Merrill Magnolia is easy to grow in most any moist but well-drained acidic soil of average fertility and full sun to part shade. Prefers full sun for best flowering, however will handle some partial shade. Avoid constantly soggy or wet soils. In alkaline soils, apply soil sulfur and/or chelated iron to increase acidity. Pruning usually isn’t necessary, however stray or damaged branches can be pruned immediately after flowering in spring and lower branches can be removed to a desired height to expose more trunk and/or lift the canopy to a height that can be walked under. Feed after flowering in spring with a mild organic plant food or a well-balanced shrub and tree food containing iron or sulfur.

Helpful Articles

Click on the link below to find helpful advice from our experts on how to plant, prune, feed and water Ann Magnolia tree.

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The tree arrived in very good condition. It is tall, replete with greenery and very sturdy. I just put it in the ground and it already has good presence in its spot. Really looking forward to seeing it prosper.————————————Thanks for the awesome review! We are so glad you are pleased and we hope you enjoy it for years to come! 🙂 Beth Steele | WBG