Magnolia liliiflora Betty

Magnolia Betty

Magnolia Betty produces large, tulip-shaped deep purple-pink flowers with white interiors on thorny branches in spring. The decorative bright green foliage turns coppery in autumn. Magnolia ‘Betty’ is part of the ‘Little Girl’ Series, a group of hybrid Magnolias developed at the U. S. National Arboretum for a late spring bloom to prevent frost damage.

How to take care of Magnolia Betty

For best results soak the roots for approx 2 hrs before planting in a prepared hole. Water well after planting and for the next few weeks! This lovely magnolia with a compact growth is ideal for the average sized garden.

It blossoms mid to late spring. The flowers come before the leaves. It requires moist, humus rich will-drained soil with a neutral to acid pH. Choose a full sun to partial shade. Apply mulch annually, especially in dry soils.

Plant in a large planting hole filled with 50% topsoil and 50% Peat. The shrub likes an organic top dressing in early spring. Shelter it from severe winds. Remove dead wood in the summer after flowering and cut away any untidy bits.

Magnolias hate being disturbed and dislike pruning, so choose a space where they have room to grow. The early flowering species need protection from early morning sun to avoid the flowers being damaged by late frosts.

The larger leaved cultivars need protection from wind, as excessive wind can damage or scorch the foliage.