Magnolia, Loebner Magnolia, Saucer Magnolia 'Leonard Messel'

I live in Minnesota and have no problems with this tree. I only wrapped it the first winter. It's a wonderful tree and in bloom now (4/...Read More28). I have had problems with frost hurting the flowers if they start to open and a frost hits. All the neighbors ask about it because it doesn't look like something you'd grow in zone 4.

I noticed that this plant is rated to only USDA zone 5a. This plant is commonly grown in the Minneapolis/St. Paul area of Minnesota in US...Read MoreDA zone 4a, with no hardiness problems (though late frosts sometimes get the flowers).

I have ordered one for delivery this spring (didn't want to spend what the nurseries are asking for a 3' plant - $50.00) It can be planted anywhere without problems. It does NOT require a sheltered location in USDA zone 4a.

It looks so cute when it (known as tulip tree) blooms at the same time with tulips on the ground.

I prune it all year arou...Read Morend (2 years only so far after it is planted) to control the size, as I want to keep it under 7 feet tall, and it doesn't seem it hurts flowering the following year.