Choose Leonard Messel Magnolia if you want early pink spring flowers on a manageable ornamental tree; the tradeoff is that late frosts can shorten the bloom show in some years.
Buy This If
You want flowers before leaf-out.
You prefer soft pink blooms.
You have room for spreading branches.
Skip This If
You need a privacy screen.
Your site stays very dry.
Late frost pockets are common.
PGNE Report Card
Category
Grade
Why
Landscape Impact
A-
The early pink-and-white bloom makes a strong spring statement before most trees wake up.
Growth Rate
B
It grows at a moderate pace, so it fills in steadily without becoming a fast-spreading problem.
Maintenance
B
It usually needs limited pruning, but placement matters because magnolias do not like being crowded or hacked back.
Deer Resistance
A-
Deer rarely bother this tree; it is a dependable choice where deer are a concern, though young trunks can still be rubbed.
Small Space Fit
B
It works in many residential yards, but it still needs room for its natural branching shape.
Screening Value
D
It is grown for spring flowers, not dense coverage or privacy.
Our Experience
At PGNE, we'd typically recommend Leonard Messel where early bloom matters and the planting area has room for a spreading ornamental tree. Give it consistent soil moisture and avoid tight corners where branches will be crowded.
Plant Facts
Mature Height
15 ft
Mature Width
14 ft
Hardiness Zones
4a-8a
Spacing
20 ft
Sun
Full Sun to Part Shade
Moisture
Average to moist
Growth Habit
Upright, rounded, multi-stem
Customers Usually Ask
Will frost ruin the flowers?
A hard late frost can brown open blooms, so avoid low frost pockets when possible.
Does it need pruning?
Very little; remove damaged or crossing branches, but let the natural shape develop.
Is it good near a patio?
Yes, if the site has enough room and the soil does not dry out badly.
Why Choose Ornamental & Accent Trees?
Spring Flower Impact: Cherries and serviceberry deliver standout blooms that define the season.
Fall Color & Seasonal Interest: Ginkgo and serviceberry provide reliable, high-impact color late in the year.
Form & Structure: Weeping, upright, and spreading forms create focal points and visual balance in the landscape.
We grow and source ornamental trees selected specifically for New England performance — not just appearance, but reliability, structure, and long-term success in local conditions.
We use your zone to recommend plants that survive your winters, and to estimate when your
order ships — we ship each plant when the weather where you live is right for it.
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Joseph Sico
I went up there today from Quincy MA to pick up two Blue Wichita Junipers and they were absolutely beautiful. Thank you, Chris and everybody from Pro Growers of New England!
Wichita Blue Juniper
Aileen Maconi
The plants are beautiful and all 13 were consistent in height and width. And at a fraction of the cost of other garden centers. Having the team that delivered them do the planting was one of the best values I can think of. They did a great job from start to finish and even helped me with my watering system which they didn’t have to do!
Emerald Green Arborvitae
Steve Holsberg
Very nice
Guys installed for me as well
Great job
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Carrie Peabody
Huge selection and fast delivery. All plants arrived in great condition.
Pro Growers of New England, Inc
Linda Albert
Great prices and Unbelievable selection of big and small trees, shrubs, and flowering perennials! Nicest folks to work with. And local delivery is awesome! First time purchasing from this company, , and have already told friends, neighbors and family. The owner Chris is professional, knowledgeable, and yet laid back in a most friendly way. Mags in the office will help with any details. My all time BEST garden purchase EVER!
Bought 8-10 ft and all were barely 8 if you count the container. Trees are thin and lots of brown branches and broken branches due you thrown in box truck no wrapping or anything. Hoping they survive and thicken up quick…
I went up there today from Quincy MA to pick up two Blue Wichita Junipers and they were absolutely beautiful. Thank you, Chris and everybody from Pro Growers of New England!