Magnolia Magnolia x loebneri 'Leonard Messel'

This deciduous Magnolia is a hybrid from a cross between Magnolia kobus and Magnolia stellata 'Rosea'.  The Loebner Magnolia is a compact, vigorous tree and flowers at an early age with two-toned flowers. Its strap like petals are white on the inside and a purple-pink tint on the outside.

It is a small magnolia at 10 to 20 feet, about as wide, and has a round shape.  The white blooms appear in February to March.  It is sometimes grown in a multi-trunked shrub form.

A number of hybrid cultivars, or varieties, are now available commercially, featuring flowers that have white or varying shades of pink, including pink-lilac.

Mulch and water a new planting for several months to one year after adding to your garden.  Choose a planting time when the tree is in a dormant state, which would be late fall through winter months in warmer climates and in the early spring in colder climates.  Locate in an area where protection from wind is provided.

An interesting feature is that a bruised stem emits a sweet fragrance. As with other Magnolias, wildlife may use it as cover both within the dense branches and underneath on the ground. It can be grown in full sun or at the edge of a woodland area with partial shade.

If pruning becomes necessary, midsummer, when the tree is in full bloom is the optimal time.  Propagation should also be done at this time of year by either softwood or semi-hardwood cuttings.

Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems: Scale are occasional pests as well as snails, coral spot and honey fungus.

Late frosts in the spring can damage the flower buds, whoever, this variety is less susceptible to the frost as other varieties of Magnolias.

More information on Magnolia x loebneri.