Magnolia x loebneri 'Merrill' - Merrill magnolia

Approximately one hundred to two hundred species (depending on the scientific authority) of Magnolia are found in tropical America and Asia. Some authorities consider Magnolia kobus and M. stellata to be separate species native to Asia. Others lump them together as one. Depending upon your perspective, the Merrill magnolia is either a hybrid between the two species or a selection of M. kobus. It is deciduous with a heavy bloom in spring before the leaves emerge. The white flowers are fragrant and about three inches wide.

Northeast Florida is not in the growing range for Merrill magnolia according to most garden literature. We planted this plant at UNF in spring of 2006 because a local landscape designer says he saw large, healthy plants in a Jacksonville garden.