Magnolia x loebneri 'Snowdrift' (Snowdrift Magnolia )
Botanical Information
Family | Magnoliaceae |
Genus | Magnolia |
Species | x loebneri |
Cultivar | 'Snowdrift' |
Category | Woody |
Type | Tree (deciduous), Shrub (deciduous) |
Origin | Horticultural origin. A hybrid of M. kobus and M. stellata. |
Details
USDA Hardiness Zone | 3 - 7 |
USDA Hardiness Ref. | |
Canadian Hardiness Zone | 4 - 8 |
Canada Hardiness Ref. | |
RHS Hardiness Zone | H7 |
RHS Hardiness Ref. | |
Height | 3-6 m |
Spread | 3-6 m |
Growth | Fast |
Flowering Period | April, May |
Description and Growing Information
General Description | A small tree or large shrub, and producing a profusion of white flowers in April. ‘Snowdrift’ has particularly large flowers and slightly larger leaves. |
ID Characteristic | Flowers form before leaves which can get late frost damage if not grown in a protected area. Staggered blooming period in early spring. |
Shape | This tree has a pyramidal shape in its younger part of its life and becomes rounded as it ages. |
Landscape | Popular 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. |
Propagation | By softwood cuttings in spring or early summer, or semi-ripe cuttings in late summer and autumn. |
Cultivation | Grow 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. |
Pests | Magnolia root borer (Euzophera magnolialis) may cause problems in nurseries, but rarely in the landscape. Magnolia scale can also be a common issue. |
Bark/Stem Description | A smooth, light brown bark and has some large lenticels that are vertical instead of horizontal. |
Leaf Description | The leaves are simple, with a pinnate venation and a rather rounded obovate shape and green turning yellow in autumn. |
Flower Description | Long white petals around the outside arranged in the shape of as a goblet then unfold into a star-shape. |
Fruit Description | Reddish-green, knobby aggregate fruit , about 5 cm long. |