Magnolia liliiflora Betty

Betty Magnolia

Magnolia liliiflora ‘Betty’ (Betty Magnolia) is a deciduous shrub or small tree with a compact, rounded to upright habit. It produces large, slightly fragrant, tulip-shaped flowers that are reddish-purple on the outside with white to pale pink interiors, blooming in mid-spring and often later than many early magnolias, which helps reduce frost damage. Light rebloom can occur in summer.

Type: Shrub / small tree
Mature Size: 10–15' W × 10–15' H
USDA Zones: 4a–8b
Form: Compact, rounded to upright

Light: Full sun to part shade
Soil / Water: Rich, moist, well-drained, slightly acidic soils; moderate water, prefers even moisture during establishment
Bloom Time / Length: April to May; moderate (about 2–3 weeks), sometimes with light summer rebloom

Wildlife: Bees

Features & Landscape Uses:
Excellent for specimen planting, mixed shrub borders, foundation beds, and smaller gardens. Its shrubby habit, later bloom time, and rich flower color make it one of the more reliable spring magnolias for colder regions. It is part of the U.S. National Arboretum’s “Little Girl” series.

Care:
Plant in fertile, well-drained soil and avoid hot, dry, exposed sites. Water regularly while establishing, mulch to keep roots cool and evenly moist, and prune only if needed just after flowering. 

Plant type

Flowering Ornamental Tree

Height

10-15'

Width

10-15'

Hardiness zones

4–8

Sunlight

Full Sun, Partial Shade

Growth rate

Moderate

Bloom time

Early Spring

Flower color

Fuchsia, Lavender

Leaf color

Green

Fall color

Yellow

Soil

Acidic, Moist well-drained

Landscape use

Accent Plant, Corner Accent, Specimen

Shape

Compact, Rounded

Fragrant

Yes

Deer resistant

Yes

Drought tolerant

No