Betty Magnolia
Magnolia 'Betty'
Wine-Red Betty Magnolia Shrub, Ready to Plant
- Wine-red spring flowers bloom later than other magnolias, reducing frost damage risk
- Hardy in zones 4-8; reaches 10-15 feet tall with moderate, reliable growth
- Ideal for specimen planting, foundation accents, and small-space landscapes; container-suitable while young
About this plant
Betty Magnolia is a deciduous shrub or small tree that shines in landscapes as a specimen planting, foundation accent, or small-space flowering tree. Its reddish-purple to wine-red flowers with pale pink or white interiors bloom in mid-to-late spring, reducing frost damage risk. Hardy in zones 4-8, it grows slowly to moderately, reaching 10-15 feet at maturity.
You'll receive a nursery-grown shrub in a container, ready for planting in your garden. Upon arrival, water the plant thoroughly and find it a spot with full sun to part shade, spacing it where it has room to spread. Keep the soil consistently moist for the first growing season to establish strong roots.
Betty Magnolia at a glance
| Botanical name | Magnolia 'Betty' |
|---|---|
| Plant type | deciduous shrub / small tree |
| USDA zones | 4-8 |
| Mature height | 10-15 ft (some sources cite up to 15-20 ft over a long period) |
| Mature width | 8-15 ft |
| Sun | full sun to part shade; best flowering in full sun |
| Water | medium/average; regular water until established, then moderate |
| Bloom time | mid-to-late spring; blooms later than star magnolia and saucer magnolia, which reduces frost damage to buds; may produce sporadic rebloom in |
| Bloom color | reddish-purple to wine-red outside, white to pale pink inside |
| Growth rate | slow to moderate, roughly 6-12 in/year |
| Deer resistance | moderate (occasionally browsed, not a preferred food source) |
| Best planting time | early spring or early fall |
Container sizes explained
| #1 / 1 Gallon | A trade one gallon pot (about 6.5 inches). One to two seasons older than a quart, with an established root system. |
|---|---|
| #2 / 2 Gallon | A trade two gallon pot. Common for peonies and perennials that need root room; usually blooms the first or second year. |
| #3 / 3 Gallon | A trade three gallon pot (about 10 inches). A well-developed shrub or small tree, often 2 to 4 feet tall on arrival. |
Questions before you buy
Should I choose the 1 gallon or 3 gallon shrub?
The 1-gallon shrub is more affordable and works well for spring planting. The 3-gallon form (3-4 feet tall) gives you a head start with a more established plant. Both reach full size in 10-20 years, so the choice often depends on your budget and desired initial impact.
When should I plant my Betty Magnolia after it arrives?
Plant as soon as convenient after arrival, ideally in spring or fall when temperatures are mild. Water thoroughly before planting and keep soil consistently moist for the first growing season.
How large does Betty Magnolia grow?
It reaches 10-15 feet tall and 8-15 feet wide, potentially up to 15-20 feet over a long period. Growth is slow to moderate at roughly 6-12 inches per year, so allow 10-20 years for full maturity.
How much sun does my Betty Magnolia need?
Plant it in full sun to part shade, with full sun producing the most abundant flowering. Even a few hours of direct sun daily will support good blooms.
Can I grow Betty Magnolia in my zone?
Betty Magnolia is hardy in USDA zones 4-8. If you're in that range, the plant will overwinter reliably.
What does my Betty Magnolia need in its first year?
Water regularly to keep soil consistently moist (not waterlogged), and mulch the base to retain moisture and regulate temperature. Avoid fertilizing immediately after planting; wait until the second year.