Magnolia x loebneri ‘Leonard Messel’

Plant of the Month February 2026

Magnolia x loebneri ‘Leonard Messel’ .

GENERAL INFORMATION:

This is one of my favourite small trees. A chance hybrid between M. kobus and M. stellata ‘Rosea’ was registered in England in 1955.

Common Name: Loebner Magnolia.

Life Cycle: Broad leafed deciduous tree.

Magnolia x loebneri ‘Leonard Messel’ - tree in summer.

Height: 3-6 m, 3-5 m wide.

Bloom Time: April in Southern Ontario, flowering before leaves open.

Magnolia x loebneri ‘Leonard Messel’ -flowers in May.

Flower Colour & Size: Attractive flowers up 12 cm wide with up to 12 purple pink tepals, white on the inside.

Magnolia x loebneri ‘Leonard Messel’ - flowers.

Scent: Fragrant with aromatic stems.

Leaves: Medium green ovate leaves up to 12 cm long.

Fruit: Cone like pods with red flesh covered seeds.

Magnolia x loebneri ‘Leonard Messel’ - leaves and fruit.

Range: Both parents are native to forests in Japan.

CULTIVATION:

Plant: When dormant and where you can see it from the house and walkways when in flower. Preferably sheltered from cold dry winds.

Light: Sun to part shade.

Soil: Most rich, well drained soils.

Water: Moist soil.

USDA Hardiness: Zones 4 - 9.

Pests and Diseases: Usually no problems but can be attacked by Honey Fungus, scale, snails. Deer and rabbit resistant.

Pollinators: Bees, early butterflies. Pollen, no nectar.

Propagation: by grafting or by softwood cuttings in the late spring or semi hardwood cuttings in the late summer.

Seedex availability: in the ORG&HPS Seedex. May not come true to seed.

Magnolia x loebneri ‘Leonard Messel’ - winter buds.

Germination Tips: Sow immediately, fresh seeds best. Stored seed might be coaxed into germination with temperature cycling and patience.

Problems: Flowers may suffer in a hard frost.

Toxicity: No problems.

References: Wikipedia

Text and images supplied by Anna Leggatt