Magnolia Leonard Messel

Discovered by Messel at his famous Nymans garden in Sussex, Magnolia x loebneri Leonard Messel is a medium-sized, slow-growing, deciduous shrub or small tree with an open, spreading crown. Lilac-pink goblet-shaped flowers 4”/10cm across appear in mid-spring on the bare branches, the dozen or so tepals opening flat to a star-like shape revealing the paler interior. The leaves are narrowly oval, mid-green, and 5”/12cm long. Unlike most magnolias, Magnolia Leonard Messel will succeed on chalky soil, and its flowers are less susceptible to frost damage. It’s also more compact than most, and it flowers much younger. Very little pruning required; prune in late summer to prevent ‘bleeding’. Holds the RHS Award of Garden Merit.

Site: Sheltered
Soil: Any reasonably well drained soil
Position: Full sun or partial shade
Season of Interest: Spring
Hardiness: Fully hardy
Height: Eventually 26’ (8m) Spread: 20’ (6m)