'Leonard Messel' is a vigorous, medium-sized, deciduous shrub or small tree, with narrow ovate leaves about 12cm in length. Flowers are lilac-pink and paler in the center with a lovely scent. The flowers grow to 10cm in width, with about twelve narrow tepals, and open before the leaves. Plant in moist, humus-rich soil. Some protection may be needed from late winter frosts.