Its color is a attractive crystalline red-purple that almost has a metallic sheen. The growth habit is an upright small tree with a columnar to pyramidal habit. It will produce summer flowers, particularly where summer rains are common. In 2013 'Cleopatra' won first prize for the best new tree at the International Plant Trade Fair in Essen, Germany. This recognizes the special qualities of 'Cleopatra' and helps put Magnolia Grove, NZ on the world map of Magnolia breeders. It is showing good resistance to mildew.
