Magnolia ×loebneri ‘Leonard Messel’ (Magnolia cultivar)

This spring has been kind to our magnolias. Mild days, cool nights (with no damaging frosts so far) have resulted in a fine show. Among the group of small magnolias trees on the lawn close to Glyndor Gallery is Magnolia ×loebneri ‘Leonard Messel’ and this week it is in its full pink glory.

An accidental hybrid between two magnolia species—Magnolia kobus and a pink form of M. stellata—it arose at Nymans, the garden of Colonel Leonard Messel in Sussex, England.

If the weather continues its current pattern we shall be able to enjoy our spring blooming magnolias for several days yet.

By Charles Day is Wave Hill’s Ruth Rea Howell Senior Horticultural Interpreter