Although several other yellow-flowering magnolias have been introduced in the last 20 years, 'Elizabeth' holds its own in the market and the hearts of its growers. The crosses were made in 1956 by Evamaria Sperber, former plant breeder at the Brooklyn garden. Late blooms a plus Growers became interested in it immediately, but its lateness to flower really set them off, said Jacqueline Fazio, director of horticulture at the Brooklyn garden. In the Northeast, that's important, because we get some frosts in April. Others have described its blooms as primrose yellow maturing to transparent yellow, butter yellow, and translucent highlighted by a tinge of green.
Flowers are conspicuous because they appear before the leaves are fully expanded.
At maturity, 'Elizabeth' has a pyramidal habit and reaches 35 feet, with a spread of up to 15 feet, and is hardy to USDA Hardiness Zone 5. It is very vigorous and develops best in slightly acidic soils. Unlike some magnolias, its fragrant flowers may appear at a young age, three years on occasion. Probably sterile, 'Elizabeth' is fairly easily rooted by softwood cuttings under mist. Twombly said pest problems are minimal.