Leonard Messel Magnolia (Magnolia loebneri 'Leonard Messel') | Star-Shaped Spring Flowers

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Leonard Messel Magnolia

Magnolia loebneri 'Leonard Messel'

A small deciduous tree with profuse, bi-colored star-shaped flowers (deep pink outside, pale pink inside) in early spring.

$189.00

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Description

Magnolia loebneri 'Leonard Messel' is a stunning, small deciduous tree prized for its profuse, star-shaped, bi-colored spring flowers and compact, rounded form. A hybrid of Magnolia kobus and Magnolia stellata 'Rosea', this vigorous tree produces abundant, lightly fragrant, 4-6 inch wide flowers in early spring, before the leaves emerge. Each bloom features 10-15 narrow, strap-like petals that are a rich, deep pinkish-purple on the outside and a soft, pale pink to white on the inside, creating a striking, two-toned, waterlily-like effect. The deep pink-purple flower buds are equally ornamental. The broad, medium-green leaves follow the flowers, turning yellow-bronze in fall before dropping. With its compact, multi-stemmed, rounded habit, exceptional hardiness, and reliable early bloom, it is an outstanding choice for a specimen tree in small gardens, courtyard plantings, foundation plantings, or as an accent in mixed borders.

Quick Facts

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Mature height: 10-20 ft
Mature spread: 10-20 ft
Light: Full sun to partial shade

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Foliage & Flowers: Broad, medium-green leaves (turn yellow-bronze in fall); profuse, star-shaped, lightly fragrant, 4-6 inch flowers in early spring (before leaves), with 10-15 narrow, strap-like petals that are deep pinkish-purple outside and pale pink to white inside.
Growth Rate: Moderate
Hardiness Zones: USDA 5-9; Sunset 2B-9, 14-24
Core Benefits: Profuse bi-colored star-shaped spring flowers, compact rounded habit, vigorous grower, early bloomer, cold hardy.
Best Uses: Specimen tree, small gardens, courtyard gardens, foundation plantings, mixed borders, accent plantings.

Faqs

Q: How large does Leonard Messel Magnolia get?
A: It is a compact, rounded tree, typically reaching 10-20 feet in both height and spread at maturity.

Q: When does it bloom?
A: It blooms in early spring (March-April), producing its spectacular star-shaped flowers on bare branches before the leaves emerge.

Q: Are the flowers fragrant?
A: Yes, the flowers are lightly fragrant, adding a delicate sensory element to the early spring garden.

Q: How much sun does it need?
A: It performs best in full sun to partial shade. In hotter climates, afternoon shade is beneficial.

Q: Is it cold hardy?
A: Yes, it is reliably hardy in USDA zones 5-9, tolerating cold winters while blooming reliably in early spring.

Q: Does it attract wildlife?
A: Yes, the flowers attract early-season pollinators, and the seed-like cone fruits that follow are attractive to birds.

Q: Is it a hybrid?
A: Yes, it is a hybrid of Magnolia kobus and Magnolia stellata 'Rosea', combining the best traits of both parents.

📍 Primary Delivery Area · San Francisco Bay Area

Local delivery across the Bay Area — and beyond.

San Francisco Bay Area is our primary local delivery market. Victory Nursery also serves additional California markets and selected extended delivery areas by arrangement.

Regular local delivery: San Francisco, Peninsula, South Bay, East Bay, Marin, Tracy / Mountain House and surrounding service areas.

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