Northwest Blooms · Shrubs
Camellia reticulata x williamsii 'Leonard Messel'
Leonard Messel Camellia
- Family
- Theaceae
- Height
- 8 to 10 ft
- Width
- 6 to 10 ft
- Flower color
- Large, semi-double blooms in clear to deep rose-pink; often with deeper veining
- Foliage color
- Evergreen leaves, mid- to dark green, somewhat textured
- Bloom time
- Late winter to early spring
- Light
- Part shade to dappled shade
- Water
- Moderate
- Maintenance
- Low; prune lightly after flowering to shape and remove dead wood
- Growing zone
- USDA zones 7 to 9
- Wildlife
- Early-season flowers may provide pollen/nectar for pollinating insects when weather permits
About this plant
Camellia x williamsii 'Leonard Messel' is an evergreen shrub producing glossy matt-green leaves and abundant large semi-double flowers of clear rose-pink, each with prominent yellow stamens and often deeper color veining. The blossoms open from late winter into spring, commonly from November through April, offering months of floral display that brighten shaded garden corners, woodland borders, or mixed hedging.
Originally bred at Nymans, Sussex, England in 1958 by the Messel family, 'Leonard Messel' is a hybrid between a reticulata type and a x williamsii parent. Its upright, rounded habit and dense branching, along with its reliable long bloom season, make it a sturdy choice for cool-climate gardens seeking a season-long display of rose-pink blooms.
Works well in
Foundation Plantings · Specimen Plants · Woodland Gardens · Shade Gardens
Companion plants
Holly · Pulmonaria · Oxalis · Japanese aralia · Celandine · Coral bells
Design tip
A long flowering season makes this camellia especially useful for carrying color through the quieter months of the garden. Consider repeating softer pinks in nearby winter and spring bloomers, creating a gradual succession of color rather than relying on a single burst of seasonal interest.
