Magnolia × loebneri ‘Leonard Messel’ – Early Spring Fragrance

Description
Magnolia × loebneri ‘Leonard Messel’ is a hybrid magnolia prized for its early, abundant, cup-shaped blooms and delightful fragrance. Flowering in late winter to early spring, the flowers open before the leaves, creating a stunning display of soft to deep pink shades.

Its compact, upright habit makes it suitable for smaller gardens or as a specimen in larger borders. Deep green summer foliage provides structure, and the slow growth ensures it remains manageable in restricted spaces.

Size & Growth
Typically grows 3–4 m tall and 2–3 m wide over many years, forming a rounded or slightly pyramidal crown.

Growing Conditions
Thrives in full sun to light shade, in fertile, moist but well-drained soil. Protect flower buds from late frosts for best display.

Why Choose Magnolia ‘Leonard Messel’?

• Fragrant Pink Flowers – Abundant cup-shaped blooms in early spring.

• Compact & Manageable – Perfect for smaller gardens or as a specimen shrub.

• Seasonal Interest – Early spring flowers, summer foliage, autumn colour.

• Hardy & Reliable – Low-maintenance, long-lived, and adaptable.

Planting & Care Guide

Position: Full sun to partial shade; best flowering in sun.
Soil: Fertile, moist, well-drained, slightly acidic to neutral.
Watering: Keep evenly moist, particularly while establishing.
Feeding: Mulch with organic matter in spring; ericaceous feed if soil is neutral.
Pruning: Minimal; prune only to remove damaged or crossing branches, ideally after flowering.

Design & Planting Ideas

• Plant as a specimen in small gardens or courtyard spaces.

• Combine with spring bulbs like crocus or scilla for layered seasonal effect.

• Works well with azaleas, camellias, and other acid-loving plants.

• Suitable for mixed borders where early-season colour is desired.

Magnolia loeb. Leonard Messel 15 Litre Pot Grasslands Nursery Winter Hardy Slow Growing Deciduous

Does the height include the pot?

No, we measure from the top of the pot to the tip of the plant except for some of the instant planted screens, in this case it will be stated in the description

How long does delivery take?

Most orders are delivered in just a few days, Smaller items are often sent with Parcelforce on a next day service, Larger items should allow up to 10 days due to the size of the items they often have to be sent on our own transport.

Where will you leave my plants?

We will leave your order at the front of your property, Parcelforce may
leave your items in a safe place if you let us know, Pallet couriers
will require a flat hard surface to deliver to, no gravel or soil, a
driveway or parking spot would be best. Most importantly Deliveries by
pallet courier will require access for a large truck (bin lorry sized)
to get near the delivery point. Deliveries sent on our own transport may come in a small van or larger truck.