Pale Pink Loebner Magnolia

‘Leonard Messel’ is a compact deciduous Loebner magnolia that can be trained as a small tree or grown as a multi-stemmed shrub. Its fragrant spring flowers open from deeper lilac-pink buds, showing purplish-pink outside and white inside. [NC State Extension](https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/magnolia-x-loebneri-leonard-messel/) describes a rounded form, a mature range of 10–20 feet, and hardiness in USDA Zones 5–9. ## Flowers and placement This hybrid was bred in Sussex, England, from *Magnolia kobus* and *M. stellata* ‘Rosea’. The March-to-April flowers appear before the leaves and are less susceptible to late spring frost than those of many magnolias. A sunny site or woodland edge with partial shade suits it. Provide moist, well-drained, organically rich soil; it does not tolerate persistently wet ground. As a small ornamental tree, it fits a foundation planting, cottage garden, or specimen position. The [Trees and Shrubs Online cultivar account](https://www.treesandshrubsonline.org/articles/magnolia/magnolia-cultivars-j/) records its early selection history. ## Maintenance Water regularly through the first growing season and mulch to moderate soil moisture. Protect the site from strong cold winds, and avoid transplanting once established. Prune only when necessary to remove dead or damaged branches, ideally after flowering.