White Loebner Magnolia

Merrill Loebner magnolia is a deciduous hybrid with a rounded crown and abundant white, strap-petaled flowers that open before the leaves. Its early spring display can be damaged by late frost. Published mature-size estimates vary: [The Morton Arboretum](https://mortonarb.org/plant-and-protect/trees-and-plants/loebners-magnolia/) gives 25–30 feet tall by 30–35 feet wide, while [Jordan Valley Conservation Garden](https://conservationgardenpark.jvwcd.gov/plants/117/merrill-magnolia) reports 12–25 feet tall by 10–25 feet wide, so allow generous room. ## Placement Use it as a flowering specimen in full sun or light shade, with moist, well-drained soil. Mature dimensions vary among published references, so choose a site with room for a broad crown and plan for the larger estimates. Avoid a dry site, since Morton notes drought sensitivity, and choose a location with room for the crown. ## Seasonal interest Flowers appear in early to mid-spring, before foliage. The open crown and green summer leaves provide a quieter backdrop after flowering. Late frosts can brown the flowers even when the tree itself remains healthy. [Cambridge University Botanic Garden’s cultivar listing](https://www.botanic.cam.ac.uk/the-garden/plant-list/magnolia-x-loebneri-merrill/) describes the flowers opening from goblet-shaped buds into loose stars. ## Maintenance Water deeply while establishing and during extended dry weather. Keep the root zone evenly moist but not waterlogged. Prune only to remove damaged or crossing branches, preferably after flowering; avoid heavy pruning that would spoil the natural rounded form.