Magnolia Betty

Perfect for the small or courtyard garden, Magnolia Betty is a large, vigorous, deciduous shrub or small, compact tree with a rounded crown. The oval, rather leathery leaves are mid-green, turning coppery in autumn. In spring, the plant bears tulip-shaped flowers, deep pink-purple outside and creamy-white within; the flowers splay open prettily, revealing the creamy interior. Magnolia Betty rarely needs pruning, but any misplaced or dead branches should be removed in summer when the plant is in full leaf. Magnolias need protection from cold winds, and, although the plant is very hardy and comes into flower quite late, flowers can be damaged by late, severe frosts.

Site: Sheltered
Soil: Humus-rich, moist but well-drained, acid to neutral soil
Position: Full sun or partial shade
Season of interest: Spring
Hardiness: Fully hardy
Height: 13’ (4m) Spread: 13’ (4m)

Photo by David J. Stang and licensed under CC-BY-SA-4.0