Magnolia x loebneri ‘Raspberry Fun’ (21/04/2013, Kew Gardens, London)
Position: Full sun to light shade
Flowering period: Spring
Soil: Moist, well drained
Eventual Height: 8m
Eventual Spread: 6m
Hardiness: 5a, 5b, 6a, 6b, 7a, 7b, 8a, 8b, 9a
Family: Magnoliaceae
Magnolia x loebneri ‘Raspberry Fun’ is a slow growing, deciduous, rounded large shrub/ small tree. Its glossy mid green leaves are elliptic with entire margins and up to 15cm long. Its bark is gray ans smooth. Its white and pink flowers are up to 15cm across and appear before the leaves. Its fruit appear as groups of red seeds, the grouping being up to 10cm across.
The species Magnolia x loebneri, commonly known as Loebner Magnolia, is a cross between Magnolia kobus and Magnolia stellata and was created by the German horticulturist Max Löbner.
The etymological root of the binomial name Magnolia was named after Pierre Magnol, a 17th century French botanist. Loebneri is named after the creator of this shrub Max Löbner.
The landscape architect may find Magnolia x loebneri ‘Raspberry Fun’ useful as an attractive flowering specimen tree.
Ecologically, Magnolia x loebneri ‘Raspberry Fun’ is attractive to insects for its nectar. Its fruit are attractive to some birds.
Magnolia x loebneri ‘Raspberry Fun’ Flower (21/04/2013, Kew Gardens, London)
Magnolia x loebneri ‘Raspberry Fun’ prefers moist, fertile, humus rich, well-drained soils. It prefers an acid to neutral pH of soil.
Magnolia x loebneri ‘Raspberry Fun’ requires little maintenance. If pruning is required it should be carried out in mid summer.
