Why Plant Leonard Messel Magnolia?
When the grass turns greener, the birds are singing, and it starts to look, feel, and smell like spring, that's when Leonard Messel Magnolia joins in, adding bunches of fragrant frilly pink blossoms to the celebrations. We love this dependable hybrid Magnolia tree. It's so easy to grow and trouble-free - all you'll have to do is sit back and enjoy the show! The flowers are more resistant to frost than those of other Magnolias, too , should Old Man Winter decide he isn't done with us yet. Plant this choice ornamental tree in a front island bed, in your entryway garden, or - better yet - by your back patio, where you and your guests can savor this fresh breath of springtime.
Leonard Messel was a lieutenant colonel in the British Army, but when WWI broke out, he was barred from fighting because his father was German. He did what he could for the war effort, anyway—training troops in East Kent. During the war, he wrote hundreds of letters to the young men he had trained, and he wrote heartfelt letters to their parents when they didn’t go home. This lovely Magnolia, which originated in Messel’s garden, is usually grown as a large shrub. Our Tree-Form Messels offer a different look.
How to use Leonard Messel Magnolia in the landscape?
Leonard Messel, son of Ludwig Messel, took over the famous garden at Nymans in Sussex, England in 1916. Nymans is famous for its collection of Magnolias that were under the Messel's care for generations. This low-branched specimen is a great addition to any garden, even the small ones! And the flowers are the best part. Appearing in spring, these fragrant flowers are deep pink on the outside and creamy white on the inside. Dark green leaves follow. A Cary Award winner from the Worcester County Horticultural Society for its outstanding performance, hardiness and eye-appeal.
Planting Zones
Hardiness Zone: 4-9
How To Plant Leonard Messel Magnolia
One of the hardiest and easiest-to-grow Magnolias, this beauty does best in full sun and well-drained soil.
How To Water
Water your Leonard Messel Magnolia once or twice a week, depending on soil and weather conditions.
How To Fertilize
When it comes to young trees, it is best to apply fertilizer in the fall for the first 3 or 4 years to help them establish a strong root system and produce healthy new growth. For the Leonard Messel Magnolia, a low rate fertilizer would work well. This Magnolia has no major insect or disease problems.
How To Prune
Prune this Magnolia as needed in late spring or very early summer.
How Does Shipping Work?
Bower & Branch Trees, the real BIG trees, don’t fit in a box! Our big trees, sizes XL and bigger, require expert delivery and care, that means our extra-large trees are shipped on Bower & Branch trucks. We are the only ones who know how to ship our big and bigger trees and plants with tender loving care. We deliver your trees and plants directly to you. Ask Bower & Branch about planting services – we'd be happy to assist in installation.
*For Big trees and Shrubs, Size XL and bigger: Review our Seasonal Shipping Timelines and Policy here.
Your trees and plants are grown across the United States at various Bower & Branch Growers. Depending on your location, your plant orders may be shipped from various locations. Please expect orders with multiple items to be delivered over a number of days as a result. Orders made up of numerous items or selections will not arrive at your home on the same day.
Shipping Delays:
From time to time, Bower & Branch Growers may determine to delay order shipment based on various factors for plant health. Weather in your region, as well as, where your plants are grown, is always considered when shipping. Extreme weather conditions may delay some or all of your order. Bower & Branch allows our Growers to make final shipping decisions based solely to benefit your trees and plants’ health and success.
How Does Sizing Work?
The size of our trees have nothing to do with the container size like you may find elsewhere–big doesn't mean just height - it’s also vigor, age, and overall health. Other online retailers are going to tell you that a plant is a seven gallon, that means nothing to your tree or plant (or you.)
Our trees for sale online are graded on large, x-large, and even bigger sizes. This is because our trees are sized by their age—the higher the letter, the more mature the tree. The age determines the trees’ overall height, size of the trunk and the overall branch density.
All of these characteristics are what you should be looking for when choosing a tree for immediate impact and instant curb appeal. Our extra-large tree and plant sizes are sure to wow you and your neighbors!
See the size guides below.
