Magnolia x loebneri Mags Pirouette

Magnolia x loebneri 'Mag's Pirouette' is a variety of deciduous magnolia with abundant flowering in early spring. Its flowers are double, white, slightly fragrant. The petals are dense and arranged very regularly, with those on the outside being shorter than those in the centre, giving the flower a distinct personality. Like all loebneri hybrid magnolias, this accommodating and hardy variety flowers as soon as the plant reaches 1m (3ft) in height and is easier to grow in many regions.

Magnolia x loebneri, from the magnolia family, is a horticultural hybrid obtained by cross-breeding M. stellata, probably the most floriferous of the genus, and M. kobus, of good composition, both Japanese, slow-growing with moderate development. The 'Mag's Pirouette' cultivar has the more upright habit of its second parent and much denser and firmer flowers than those of M. stellata. It is a small tree with an upright habit during its youth, widening over time due to its flexible and slightly trailing branches, becoming as tall as it is wide. Its growth is quite slow, reaching a maturity of 2.5m (8ft) in all directions. Flowering occurs before the leaves appear, in March-April depending on the region. The 10cm (4in) diameter flowers are produced abundantly. They are slightly scented, white, composed of about fifteen spatulate petals, quite wide. The petals are pinkish at the base. The flowers and flower buds are less sensitive to late frosts than in other Magnolias. The slender branches bear deciduous foliage of a fairly dark green colour, turning golden in autumn before falling. The leaves measure 10 to 15cm (4 to 6in) in length.

Originally from Japan, Magnolia x loebneri is very hardy. Plant it alone in your garden or in the company of evergreen shrubs such as Rhododendrons, Camellias, and Azaleas if your soil is acidic, or with viburnums, Forsythias, Japanese quinces, and lilacs in slightly neutral to slightly alkaline soil. In a Japanese-style garden, combine it with Ilex crenata trimmed into clouds. Owners of large gardens can plant a group of 3 specimens not far from a pathway, their mass of white flowers will create a striking tableau in spring! Loebneri magnolias are particularly highlighted against a dark background such as a hedge of yews or Thujas. The combination with a Garrya elliptica 'James Roof' should create a magical scene in March, if the beginning of spring is mild.