Magnolia x loebneri 'Snowdrift' (Snowdrift Magnolia )


Botanical Information

FamilyMagnoliaceae
GenusMagnolia
Speciesx loebneri
Cultivar'Snowdrift'
CategoryWoody
TypeTree (deciduous), Shrub (deciduous)
OriginHorticultural origin. A hybrid of M. kobus and M. stellata.

Details

USDA Hardiness Zone3 - 7
USDA Hardiness Ref.
Canadian Hardiness Zone4 - 8
Canada Hardiness Ref.
RHS Hardiness ZoneH7
RHS Hardiness Ref.
Height3-6 m
Spread3-6 m
GrowthFast
Flowering PeriodApril, May

Description and Growing Information

General DescriptionA small tree or large shrub, and producing a profusion of white flowers in April. ‘Snowdrift’ has particularly large flowers and slightly larger leaves.
ID CharacteristicFlowers form before leaves which can get late frost damage if not grown in a protected area. Staggered blooming period in early spring.
ShapeThis tree has a pyramidal shape in its younger part of its life and becomes rounded as it ages.
LandscapePopular as a landscape feature when in bloom but otherwise having the character of a small tree and thus suitable for landscapes with limited space. Structural pruning will enhance the form and help to produce a more open specimen.
PropagationBy softwood cuttings in spring or early summer, or semi-ripe cuttings in late summer and autumn.
CultivationGrow in a fertile well-drained soil. Flowers are damaged by frost and or wind so plant under shelter in full to partial sun. Prune out dead limbs and shape in late summer.
PestsMagnolia root borer (Euzophera magnolialis) may cause problems in nurseries, but rarely in the landscape. Magnolia scale can also be a common issue.
Bark/Stem DescriptionA smooth, light brown bark and has some large lenticels that are vertical instead of horizontal.
Leaf DescriptionThe leaves are simple, with a pinnate venation and a rather rounded obovate shape and green turning yellow in autumn.
Flower DescriptionLong white petals around the outside arranged in the shape of as a goblet then unfold into a star-shape.
Fruit DescriptionReddish-green, knobby aggregate fruit , about 5 cm long.

Photographs