Why Plant Dr. Merrill Magnolia?
Dr. Merrill Magnolia's joyful display of sweet-smelling, bright white flowers comes as a relief, because it can only mean one thing: spring has arrived! For maximum impact, plant this medium-sized accent tree in front of dark green evergreens, such as Norway Spruce or Arborvitae. Our low-branched, multi-stemmed Merrill Magnolias do double-duty as specimens and as dense, leafy privacy screens during the growing season. Our single-stem Merrill's have more of a traditional tree shape, with clearance below for planting early bulbs like daffodils and hyacinths.
Dr. Merrill Magnolia is a hybrid of two magnolia species which retains the best qualities of both parents: it flowers at a young age, and it grows vigorously. A student at Harvard University made the cross in 1939, but the honors of the naming went instead to Dr. Elmer Merrill, a former director of the arboretum there. Dr. Merrill possessed a vast knowledge of plants from all over the world; during WWII, he published a survival guide identifying edible and poisonous plants for our troops in the South Pacific.
How to use Dr. Merrill Magnolia in the landscape?
Dr. Merrill Magnolias have many landscape uses. They can be planted as a specimen tree, placed as the centerpiece of a corner garden, or as a privacy screen for a porch or patio.
Planting Zones
Hardiness Zone: 5-9
How To Plant Dr. Merrill Magnolia
Dr. Merrill isn't difficult to grow, and is cold-hardy to Maine. With sunshine and regular water, it will flourish. The only problem with these early-blooming magnolias (early March in our southernmost states, late April in the North) is that every few years, a late frost zaps the blossoms, turning them the color of toasted marshmallows. There isn't much you can do about it. For many, the glory of the “good years” outweighs the risk of a bad one. It all depends upon whether you see the glass as half-empty or half-full!
How To Water
Magnolias should be watered 1-2 times a week for the first six months after planting until the roots are established. Once plant is established, they will only need water during periods of extreme drought.
How To Fertilize
Feed your Magnolia three times during the growing season in spring, early summer and mid to late summer. Use our Elements Starter Plant Food.
How To Prune
Pruning established is not necessary, but young Magnolias can be pruned for shaping. Prune between mid-summer and early autumn for best results.
How Does Shipping Work?
Bower & Branch Trees, the real BIG trees, don’t fit in a box! Our big trees, sizes XL and bigger, require expert delivery and care, that means our extra-large trees are shipped on Bower & Branch trucks. We are the only ones who know how to ship our big and bigger trees and plants with tender loving care. We deliver your trees and plants directly to you. Ask Bower & Branch about planting services – we'd be happy to assist in installation.
*For Big trees and Shrubs, Size XL and bigger: Review our Seasonal Shipping Timelines and Policy here.
Your trees and plants are grown across the United States at various Bower & Branch Growers. Depending on your location, your plant orders may be shipped from various locations. Please expect orders with multiple items to be delivered over a number of days as a result. Orders made up of numerous items or selections will not arrive at your home on the same day.
Shipping Delays:
From time to time, Bower & Branch Growers may determine to delay order shipment based on various factors for plant health. Weather in your region, as well as, where your plants are grown, is always considered when shipping. Extreme weather conditions may delay some or all of your order. Bower & Branch allows our Growers to make final shipping decisions based solely to benefit your trees and plants’ health and success.
How Does Sizing Work?
The size of our trees have nothing to do with the container size like you may find elsewhere–big doesn't mean just height - it’s also vigor, age, and overall health. Other online retailers are going to tell you that a plant is a seven gallon, that means nothing to your tree or plant (or you.)
Our trees for sale online are graded on large, x-large, and even bigger sizes. This is because our trees are sized by their age—the higher the letter, the more mature the tree. The age determines the trees’ overall height, size of the trunk and the overall branch density.
All of these characteristics are what you should be looking for when choosing a tree for immediate impact and instant curb appeal. Our extra-large tree and plant sizes are sure to wow you and your neighbors!
See the size guides below.
