Magnolia x loebneri 'Leonard Messel'

Loebner's Magnolia

Magnolia × loebneri ‘Leonard Messel’ is a deciduous flowering tree or large multi-stemmed shrub prized for its fragrant, narrow-petaled blooms that are purplish-pink outside and paler to white inside. It flowers on bare branches in mid-spring, often at a young age, and is considered somewhat less frost-prone in bloom than many other magnolias because it tends to flower a bit later. It is a hybrid of Magnolia kobus × M. stellata ‘Rosea.’

Type: Deciduous tree or large shrub
Mature Size: 10–20' W x 10–20' H
USDA Zones: 5a–9b
Form: Rounded to upright oval, often multi-stemmed, compact with age
Light: Full sun to part shade
Soil / Water: Moist, organically rich, slightly acidic to neutral, well-drained soil; regular moisture during establishment
Bloom Time / Length: Mid-spring; blooms before the leaves for several weeks, weather depending
Wildlife: Early flowers may offer some value to early pollinating insects, though it is grown mainly for ornamental display. This is an inference based on bloom timing rather than a cultivar-specific wildlife note.

Features & Landscape Uses: Excellent as a specimen, patio tree, entry accent, or focal point in smaller gardens. Its compact habit, two-toned starry flowers, and reliable flowering at a young age make it one of the best magnolias for residential landscapes where a large saucer magnolia would be too big.

Care: Plant in fertile, well-drained soil in sun or light shade, and choose a site sheltered from harsh wind when possible. Mulch to keep roots cool and evenly moist, water during dry spells, and prune only lightly after flowering if shaping is needed.

Plant type

Deciduous Tree, Flowering Ornamental Tree

Height

25'

Width

15'

Hardiness zones

5–9

Sunlight

Full Sun, Partial Shade

Growth rate

Slow

Bloom time

Mid Spring

Flower color

Lavender

Leaf color

Green

Fall color

Yellow

Attracts

Bees

Soil

Clay, Moist well-drained, Rich, Slightly Acidic

Landscape use

Accent Plant, Specimen

Shape

Oval, Rounded, Upright

Bark

Smooth

Fragrant

Yes

Deer resistant

Yes

Drought tolerant

No