Magnolia loebneri 'Leonard Messel' - strongly scented flowers D19

Magnolia loebneri 'Leonard Messel' is a hybrid ornamental shrub or tree in the Magnoliaceae family, renowned for its delicate, star-shaped flowers and graceful appearance. This hybrid, resulting from a cross between Magnolia kobus and Magnolia stellata , is prized for its abundant flowering and increased cold tolerance, making it a popular choice in temperate gardens.

Flower appearance

• Shape : The flowers are large, star-shaped, with 12-15 thin, elongated petals that open wide, creating an airy and elegant effect. The diameter of the flowers is about 10-12 cm .
• Color : The petals are pale pink on the outside, deeper at the base, and pure white on the inside, giving a delicate bicolor appearance. The pink color becomes more vibrant in cooler conditions.
• Fragrance : It exudes a floral fragrance , with sweet notes, which adds charm to the garden.
• Flowering period : It blooms in early spring, in March-April , usually before the leaves appear, offering an impressive floral display for 2-3 weeks. The flowering is more resistant to late frosts than that of other magnolias, due to the influence of Magnolia kobus .

Growth characteristics

• Height : Grows as a large shrub or small tree, reaching 3-5 meters tall and 3-4 meters wide, with a round crown and well-distributed branches.
• Foliage : The leaves are oval, medium green , 8-12 cm long, with a smooth texture. They fall in autumn, after which they may turn yellow.
• Vigor : It has moderate growth, forming a compact but graceful structure that does not become too expansive.

Growing conditions

• Exposure : Prefers full sun or light semi-shade , with protection from strong winds that can damage the delicate flowers.
• Soil : It needs fertile, well-drained soil with a slightly acidic to neutral pH (5.5-7). Loamy or clayey soils, rich in organic matter, are ideal.
• Watering : Requires regular watering, especially in the first years and during dry periods, but does not tolerate soggy soils.
• Pruning : Pruning is minimal, done after flowering (April-May) to remove dead branches or to shape the plant. Severe pruning can reduce future flowering.

Care and resistance

• Hardiness : It is one of the most cold-hardy magnolias, withstanding temperatures down to -25°C to -30°C (USDA zones 4-8). The flowers are less sensitive to late spring frosts than those of Magnolia x soulangeana , making it ideal for colder climates, including Romania.
• Fertilization : A balanced fertilizer applied in spring supports growth and flowering. Avoid excess nitrogen, which favors foliage over flowers.
• Pests and diseases : It is resistant to most problems, but can be affected by mealybugs, aphids, or powdery mildew in humid conditions; good ventilation prevents these problems.

Magnolia 'Leonard Messel' is perfect as a solitary plant in lawns, small gardens or parks, where its star-shaped flowers can be admired in all their glory. It is also suitable in groups or as a background for perennials and shorter shrubs, such as azaleas or rhododendrons. Due to its moderate size, it is ideal for compact spaces and urban gardens. The pink-white flowers combine beautifully with conifers or plants with dark foliage.

Origin

Magnolia loebneri was created in Germany in the early 20th century by Max Löbner, a horticulturist who crossed Magnolia kobus (a cold-hardy native to Japan and Korea) with Magnolia stellata (also from Japan, with star-shaped flowers). The variety 'Leonard Messel' was later introduced in 1955 at the Messel Estate in England, where it was selected for its pink-white flowers and superior hardiness. Named in honour of Leonard Messel, the owner of the garden, this variety has won the Award of Garden Merit from the Royal Horticultural Society for its exceptional horticultural qualities.