MAGNOLIA LOEB. MERRILL

Description and General Information

• Botanical Name: Magnolia loebneri ‘Merrill’

• Common Name: Merrill Magnolia

• Plant Type: Deciduous small tree or large shrub with a graceful spreading habit.

• Growth Habit: Broad and rounded; typically reaches 4–6 m tall and 4–6 m wide, making it suitable for medium-sized gardens.

• Foliage: Medium green, ovate leaves that turn yellow in autumn before falling.

• Flowers: Spectacular star-shaped, pure white blooms with 12–15 narrow petals, often fragrant; flowers appear in early to mid-spring before the leaves emerge.

• Seasonal Interest: Stunning spring floral display, attractive summer foliage, and warm autumn leaf colour.

• Garden Uses: Perfect as a specimen tree, lawn feature, or part of a spring-themed border. Also suitable for near patios where flowers can be enjoyed up close.

• Wildlife Benefits: Nectar-rich flowers attract early pollinators, including bees.

• Hardiness: Fully hardy across the UK and Ireland; tolerates frost well once established.

Planting Conditions and Ideal Location

• Light Requirements: Performs best in full sun for maximum flowering but tolerates light partial shade.

• Soil Preferences: Prefers fertile, moist but well-drained soil with plenty of organic matter.

• pH Range: Slightly acidic to neutral (pH 5.5–7.0). Avoid very alkaline soils to prevent nutrient deficiencies.

• Moisture Needs: Keep soil consistently moist, especially during establishment and in dry spells.

• Planting Time: Best planted in spring or early autumn so roots can establish before temperature extremes.

• Spacing: Allow 4–6 m around the tree to accommodate its mature spread.

• Shelter Needs: Choose a sheltered site away from cold, drying winds to protect delicate spring blossoms from frost damage.

• Companion Planting: Works beautifully with Camellias, Rhododendrons, Pieris, and other acid-loving plants.

• Container Growing: Not ideal for permanent container planting due to eventual size, but can be grown in large tubs for a few years before planting out.

Routine Care, Feeding, and Seasonal Maintenance

• Watering:

  • Water thoroughly during the first 1–2 years to help roots establish.

  • During prolonged dry spells, especially in summer, provide deep weekly watering.

• Feeding:

  • In early spring, apply a slow-release fertiliser formulated for acid-loving plants to promote strong growth and abundant blooms.

  • Top-dress annually with compost or well-rotted manure.

• Pruning:

  • Requires minimal pruning—remove only dead, damaged, or crossing branches.

  • If shaping is needed, prune immediately after flowering to avoid removing next year’s buds.

• Mulching:

  • Apply a 5–8 cm mulch of leaf mould, bark, or compost around the root zone in spring, keeping it clear of the trunk to prevent rot.

• Pest and Disease Resistance: Generally pest-free; watch for scale insects or honey fungus in poorly drained sites.

• Winter Care: Mature plants are hardy, but young specimens benefit from a mulch layer to insulate roots.

• Frost Protection for Flowers: If late frosts are forecast during flowering, consider covering with horticultural fleece overnight to protect blooms.

• Weed Control: Keep the root area free of weeds and grass to reduce competition for nutrients and moisture.

• Longevity: Long-lived and rewarding, with increasing floral display as it matures.

• Size
  40-50

We currently only deliver within the island of Ireland, other countries can be quoted for by contacting [email protected] or via telephone on 06964084
 

Standard Delivery is FREE on orders over €250*

All standard deliveries will be completed within 5-7 working days via Fastway Couriers, any delay to this delivery time, the customer will be notified by One of our staff.

The in-Store delivery charge will vary compared with online, in-store delivery charge is done on a case by case basis. 

* Only mainland Ireland addresses qualify for free delivery.
 

Live Plants Delivery

Our live plants are packed with care and diligence by our staff, our horticulturists review each plant before despatch to ensure quality is maintained.
Live Plant delivery charges are not calculated on weight but on the space required per package to ensure safe delivery, so delivery charges may vary as some plants require more space than others when packed.
All live plants are despatched within 3-5 working days where possible, our couriers aim to deliver within 48 hours of despatch from our Garden Centre to allow the plant to arrive in healthy condition.
 

Click & Collect

Can’t wait for delivery? Why not try our FREE Click & Collect service? Simply make your purchase online and collect it from our store located in Croagh Co. Limerick. Our staff will contact you by phone when your order is ready for collection (Please allow 24 hours minimum). When collecting your item, call the store on 069-64084. We will then load into your car as required. This service is available in-store 9am – 6pm Monday – Saturday (No collections on Sundays)

Click here for more information about our shipping conditions.

You can pay your online order either by credit card or via Paypal.
If you have any further questions about the online order payment please contact us via ­069 640 84 or mail.