All magnolias have a wonderful display of flowers and a delicate subtle fragrance. Slow growing and elegant they are generally planted as specimen trees both in towns and the country. Leonard Messel is a small tree which is preferably planted as a specimen but can go in borders, shrubberies and in containers. Their beautiful pale lilac pink blooms appear in mid spring, often both before and after the soft oval green leaves appear.

They like sun and neutral soil but will tolerate most soils provided it is humas rich. Manure or compost should be added to the soil before planting. No pruning and should only be for clearing dead or diseased wood. All trees benefit from a weed, mulch and compost in spring.

Three no no’s. They do not like their roots disturbed once planted so do not plant too close to other trees and shrubs. Be careful of wind as this can damage the flowers. Don’t forget to water and feed your tree if it is in a container.