Betty is part of the Little Girl Series of hybrid magnolias that were developed at the National Arboretum in the mid-1950s by Francis DeVos and William Kosar. Plants in this series flower about 2-4 weeks later than M. stellata and M. × soulangiana, thus reducing the risk of damage to flowers from late spring frosts. 'Betty' has a rounded, shrubby habit, large reddish-purple flowers with white interiors and late bloom (mid-April to early May). It is a slow-growing, shrub or small tree that typically rises over time to 10-15' tall with an equal spread. Flowers bloom shortly before the foliage begins to appear. Plants may sporadically repeat bloom in mid-summer. Leaves emerge with copper-red tints in spring, turn dark green by late spring and finally acquire yellow to bronze-copper tones in fall.
Height: 10-15'
Spread: 10-15'
Shape: Upright
Exposure: Full Sun to Part Shade
Foliage: Medium green
Fall Foliage: Yellow/Bronze-copper
Zone: 4-8