Loebner Magnolia

Magnolia x loebneri (Magnoliaceae) is a hybrid between M. kobus and M. stellata, combining the vigor of the former with the early, profuse flowering of the latter. Trees reach about 30 feet tall, producing flowers 10 to 15 cm across with 8 to 30 tepals in white to lilac-pink shades, depending on cultivar. Flowers appear on bare branches in early spring.

Loebner magnolia grows in full sun to part shade. It needs moderate water in the first year but becomes drought tolerant once established. The cultivar 'Leonard Messel' (25 feet, pink flowers, hardy to Zone 4) is among the most popular selections. Like its parents, it blooms on old wood and should be pruned after flowering. Documented diseases include bacterial blight, leaf spot, powdery mildew, root and cutting rots, and verticillium wilt. Hardy in Zones 4a to 8b.