Anyway, I went ahead an bought the tree because it was nicely shaped, had lots of flower buds and was fairly priced. According to the books I've consulted, Anne will grow to an eventual height of 8-10 feet, while Betty and Jane will get a little larger, 12-15 feet. Does anyone know whether there is really any difference in height among these varieties? What other differences are there, eg, color and form? All of the trees at the nursery looked pretty similar. The buds on the one I bought are deep reddish purple in color and are just starting to open.

Anne - 8' to 10' high, 10' wide and more open than Betty, deep purple-red, 7-9 tepals

Betty - 10', very upright, deep purple-red outside, white inside, 12-15 tepals

Really, no difference in culture, make sure it's not planted too deep (#1 cause of woody plant failure, in my experience), it needs full-sun or mostly-sun conditions, good air circulation but protect from strong winter winds.

Sounds like the spot may not be the best one you can come up with. There may not be enough room or sun for it. Try to put it where it will have room to grow at least 2 storeys high, somewhat less wide, without being crowded by other shrubs or overhung by taller trees, which will deform its shape as it matures.

does anyone know the source magnolias for the hybrid?