Magnolia 'BETTY'

In 1955 and 1956 several crosses between m.liliflora and m.stellata were made at the U.S. National Arboretum by William F. Kosar and Dr. Francis de Vos. These selections bloom two-four weeks later than other spring blooming magnolias, reducing the possibility of frost damage to minimum.

Betty’s flowers are deep purple outside and almost white inside, there are up to 19 narrow, long petals which in full bloom open like a star as much as 20 cm wide with strong citrus scent. It has attractive bright green foliage, some of which often turns coppery red in the summer. It does not require pruning at all. As it has flower buds at the ends of last-year’s branches should you need to cut something off do it immediately after flowering in the spring.

Deciduous magnolias are quite easy plants. All they need is light, well-drained, acidic soil with equal moisture throughout the year. Once established they can do with occasional drought but will not look as nice as the ones with regular watering. Just pay attention to how to plant your magnolia. First, find it a spot where it will live forever and ever. It does not like transplanting. And as it makes shallow roots reaching well over its spread stay away from disturbing the roots by digging or messing about around it. Just cover the soil with bark mulch and do not plant anything else near it after say the second year after planting onwards. You could damage the very important top roots that absorb maximum moisture and nutrients from the soil. Also avoid planting magnolia too deep. Thus you could be digging its grave. It is fully hardy to -27° or 29°C (USDA zone 5).

Last update: 19-01-2009