Magnolias at this time of year look magnificent and you’ll see a group in full glory adjacent to the Rose Garden as you head up towards the Mediterranean garden. Amongst the smaller ones is Magnolia x loebneri ‘Leonard Messel’, part of one of the most important and variable group of garden hybrids, including all crosses between Magnolia kobus and Magnolia stellata. The hybrid was first made in early 20th century Germany, by Max Löbner of Dresden then Bonn Botanical Gardens.