Loebner magnolia Magnolia x loebneri 'Leonard Messel' Play pronunciation

Magnolia x loebneri 'Leonard Messel'  is a compact, flowering, deciduous hybrid from a cross between Magnolia kobus and Magnolia stellata 'Rosea'. It was bred in Sussex, England, in the 1950s. It is a member of the magnolia family (Magnoliaceae). 'Leonard Messel' is a striking tree with abundant blossoms shaded with white on the interior and purplish-pink on the exterior. It is a small magnolia and is sometimes grown as a multi-trunked shrub. It grows 10 to 20 feet tall and equally wide, with a compact, rounded habit. The white blooms appear from March to April. This hybrid is unique in that it blooms early in life and is less susceptible to late spring frosts than other magnolias.

It can be grown in full sun or at the edge of a woodland area with partial shade. It prefers moist, well-drained, organically rich loamy, slightly acidic soils. It is intolerant of wet or poorly drained soils. Mulch and water a new planting for several months to one year after planting. Choose a planting time when the tree is dormant, usually late fall through winter in warmer climates and in the early spring in colder climates. Plant in a sheltered area protected from cold and wind. It is hardy in zones 5 through 9.

Use this small flowering tree as a foundation plant or a specimen in a butterfly or cottage garden. You will be rewarded with beautiful, fragrant blooms in the spring.

Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems: Potential insect pests include scale, horsechestnut scale, and capsid bugs. Susceptible to Phytophthora, gray mold, honey fungus, and leaf spots. Late spring frosts can damage the flower buds; however, this variety is less susceptible to frost than other varieties.

More information on Magnolia x loebneri.