Magnolia × loebneri

Magnolia × loebneri: flower

Magnolia × loebneri (Paul Kache)^[1] is a hybrid of two Magnolia species, the Japanese Magnolia kobus and M. stellata.^[2] crossed by Garteninspektor Max Löbner of Pillnitz, Germany, shortly before World War l;^[3] it first flowered in 1917.^[4] The deciduous, elegant^[5] and compact multi-stemmed small flowering tree or large shrub, slowly attaining a height of 20 feet and somewhat wider at maturity, is hardy to USDA Zone 4.^[6] Its fragrant late flowers, following its stellata parent by a couple of weeks, escape unexpected late spring frosts, but appear on the bare branches, to great effect. The deep pink buds open in informal strap-like tepals with pale shell pink upper surfaces and darker pink-purple lower ones. Like most magnolias, it thrives best on acid soils.

The selection, 'Leonard Messel' was a chance hybrid that was developed at Messel's garden in Sussex, Nymans. Also on the market are white 'Ballerina' and the late-flowering white 'Merrill' that extend the loebneri season.

Notes

1. ^ Kache designated the new hybrid in 1920, to honour Max Löbner.
2. ^ "In every way similar to M. stellata": Ben Blackburn, "A promising hybrid magnolia", New York Botanical Garden Journal (1951:43ff).
3. ^ Michael Dirr, Manual of Woody Landscape Plants (1983).
4. ^ Oregon State University: Magnolia × loebneri.
5. ^ "Elegant": Robin Lane Fox, Thoughtful Gardening (2010:92); "perhaps the finest of all the magnolias": Frances Tenenbaum, Taylor's 50 Best Trees(1999:65).
6. ^ It "has performed well in the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum, according to Melinda Myers, Minnesota Gardener's Guide, (2005:213).