Magnolia x loebneri 'Leonard Messel' Loebner magnolia (Magnolia  × loebneri) mag-NO-lee-ah ex LOBE-ner-eye Genus:  Magnolia This small tree is a cross of M. kobus and M. stellata . It has star-shaped flowers (3 to 5 inches across) with 10 to 14 narrow white petals, sometimes tinted in lilac-purple or pale pink. The blossoms are fragrant and appear before the leaves in mid-spring. Loebner magnolia grows to 30 feet tall. Care:  Grow in moist, well-drained, preferably acidic to neutral soil in sun or partial shade; magnolias do not tolerate wet feet. Magnolia flowerbuds are susceptible to late-season frosts; shelter large-leaved species from windy locations. Prune in late winter or late summer to prevent bleeding of sap; prune minimally to maintain a healthy framework.  Propagation:  Sow seeds in autumn or stratify to hasten germination. Root softwood cuttings in early summer. Magnolias can be layered in early spring, grafted in winter, and propagated by bud in summer. Problems:  Bacterial leaf spot, spot anthracnose, canker, dieback, butt rot, powdery mildew, anthracnose, fungal spots, weevils, snails, scale insects, thrips, planthoppers.

Overview

Height 15 ft. to 30 ft. Spread 15 ft. to 30 ft. Growth Habit Clumps Growth Pace Moderate Grower Light Full Sun to Part Shade Moisture Medium Moisture Maintenance Low Characteristics Fragrant Flowers, Showy Flowers, Showy Seed Heads Bloom Time Spring Flower Color Salmon, Pink, Purple, White Uses Flowering Tree, Naturalizing, Specimen Plant/Focal Point Style Formal Garden, Woodland Garden Seasonal Interest Spring Interest Type Trees