Magnolia x loebneri Merrill

Magnolia x loebneri 'Merrill' is a small deciduous tree that is quite accommodating, hardy and very floriferous in early spring. Its large white flowers open in the shape of a cup, then unfold into wide stars along the bare branches, as if covered in huge snowflakes. They emit a subtle lemony fragrance, which can be perceived close to their large stars. Pleasant in autumn, the small tree takes on a beautiful golden hue before the leaves fall. Like all loebneri hybrid magnolias, this variety blooms as soon as the plant reaches 1m (3ft 4in) in height and proves to be easier to grow in many regions.

Magnolia x loebneri, from the magnolia family, is a horticultural hybrid obtained by cross-breeding M. stellata, undoubtedly the most floriferous of the genus, and M. kobus, of good composition, both of which are Japanese and show slow growth and moderate development. The 'Merrill' cultivar has the upright habit of its second parent and the star-shaped flowers of M. stellata. It is a small tree with an erect habit in its youth, widening over time due to its flexible and slightly trailing branches, becoming as tall as it is wide. Its growth is quite slow, reaching an average maturity of 6m (19ft 8in) in all directions. It is possible to grow it as a bush or as a many-stemmed or single-trunk small tree. The flowering takes place before the appearance of the leaves, in March-April depending on the regions. The 10 to 15cm (3.9 to 5.9in) diameter flowers are abundantly produced. They are slightly fragrant, white, composed of about fifteen spatulate petals, quite wide. The outer petals are striated with a very pale pink to light violet, which can give the whole flower a very pale pink colour. The flowers as well as the flower buds are less sensitive to late frost than other magnolias. Magnolia 'Merrill' produces the largest flowers of all M. x loebneri. The slender branches bear deciduous foliage of a rather dark green, turning golden in autumn. The leaves measure from 10 to 15cm (3.9 to 5.9in) in length.

With its origins in Japan, Magnolia x loebneri is very hardy. Plant it alone in your garden or in the company of evergreen shrubs such as Rhododendrons, Camellias and Azaleas if your soil is acidic, or with Viburnums, Forsythias, Japanese Quinces and Lilacs in slightly neutral to slightly chalky soil. In a Japanese-style garden, combine it with Ilex crenata trimmed into clouds. Owners of large gardens can plant a group of 3 subjects not far from a pathway, their mass of white flowers will create a striking tableau in spring! Loebneri magnolias are particularly highlighted against a dark background such as a hedge of yews or Thuja. The combination of a Garrya elliptica 'James Roof', adorned with silky catkins, and the Magnolia 'Merrill' covered in large stars should create a magical scene in March, if the beginning of spring is mild.