Dr. Merrill magnolia

I love all magnolias but this is a favorite.

Our Dr. Merrill magnolia (Magnolia x loebneri) is in full bloom now. I like it better and better every year. It's multi petaled like the stellata but the petals are much fuller and when slightly opened which I think is the most attractive state, looks somewhat like magnolia cylindrica blossoms. I am a little concerned that it's not growing as vigorously as I thought it would. When I first bought it, it was lush and full of leaves which 1/3 promptly turned brown and fell off despite constant care. But it otherwise seems to be doing well enough.

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