SCIENTIFIC NAME: Magnolia x 'Betty'

COMMON NAME: Betty Magnolia; Betty Tulip Tree

GARDEN SIZE: 10 to 15 feet tall by 10 to 12 feet wide

GROWTH RATE: Slow to moderate

USDA ZONE: 4 to 8

EXPOSURE: Full sun to part shade; afternoon shade beneficial in hot southern climates

WATER & SOIL: Moist, well-drained acidic soils (pH 5.0–6.5); tolerates clay, loam, sand (amended); avoid soggy sites; drought-tolerant once established

HABIT (FORM): Upright, rounded large shrub or small tree; can be limbed up to form a small tree

FOLIAGE: Deciduous; large dark green leathery

FLOWERS: 8" reddish-purple buds opening to pinkish-purple tulip blooms that expand to star-like form; fragrant; mid-spring with sporadic summer rebloom

PLANT ORIGIN: Hybrid; Magnolia liliiflora ‘Nigra’ x Magnolia stellata ‘Rosea’

WILDLIFE SUPPORT: May provide some nesting sites and shelter for birds and small mammals, but does not serve as much of a host for local insects and wildlife. May provide food for insects in the spring.

FERTILIZING: Maintain rich, organic soil; light spring feeding with organic compost as needed; mulch to conserve moisture

PRUNING: Prune immediately after flowering; avoid heavy pruning

TOXICITY FLAGS: None known

USES: Small specimen tree, foundation plantings