Magnolia grandiflora 'Bracken's Brown Beauty'

Species

Magnolia grandifloraSouthern Magnolia

6 other cultivars

treeN. America Native

Southern Magnolia

Magnolia grandiflora 'Bracken's Brown Beauty'

$99.95

The Story

Plant Bio

Magnolia grandiflora, the southern magnolia, is a broadleaf evergreen tree native to southeastern North America, characterized by its dense, pyramidal crown and large, leathery leaves. The species produces fragrant, bowl-shaped creamy white flowers from spring through summer, followed by cone-like fruiting structures.

'Bracken's Brown Beauty' is distinguished by its exceptionally dense, rusty-brown tomentum on the leaf undersides and its superior cold hardiness compared to the species. This cultivar maintains a compact, narrow oval-rounded form well-branched to the ground, making it suitable for smaller landscapes.

Uses & Benefits:

Features glossy evergreen foliage with a striking rusty-brown velvet underside and large, fragrant white flowers.

Functions as an effective windbreak or privacy screen due to its dense branching habit from the ground up.

Provides dense year-round nesting cover for songbirds, while the seeds serve as a food source for turkeys and small mammals.

SpeciesMagnolia grandifloraSouthern Magnolia

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Tree

Height

480"

Width

360"

Light

Full Sun, Partial Sun

Zones

5, 6, 7, 8, 9

Water

Medium

Humidity

High

Lifespan

Long

Native To

Southeastern North America

Toxicity

Non-toxic

Bloom period

Spring – Summer

In flower about 6 months of the year

Marketplace

Where to Buy

Garden Goods Direct

In Stock$99.95

Shipping costs Year-round shipping Free shipping

Planting

How to Grow

Select a planting site in full sun to partial shade with moist, organically rich, well-drained soil.
Dig a hole twice as wide as the root ball but no deeper, ensuring the top of the root flare sits slightly above the surrounding soil level.
Backfill with native soil, firm gently to remove air pockets, and water thoroughly to settle the roots.
Apply a three-inch layer of organic mulch over the root zone, keeping the mulch several inches away from the trunk to prevent rot.
Water regularly during the first two growing seasons to establish a deep, resilient root system.

Pro Tip

Avoid planting in compacted or poorly drained urban soils, which trigger Phytophthora root rot. When pruning, never cut back into old, leafless wood as these branches fail to produce new growth.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Maintain a thick organic mulch ring over the shallow root zone to retain moisture.
Prune lightly in late winter or early spring to remove dead or crossing branches.
Apply an acid-forming, slow-release fertilizer once annually in early spring.

Don't

Do not plant in low-lying areas prone to standing water or prolonged waterlogging.
Do not shear or hedge the tree heavily, which ruins its natural pyramidal form.
Do not allow mulch to pile up directly against the bark of the trunk.

Seasonal Care Calendar

Task	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Fertilize
Mulch
Pest Check
Prune

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Specimen treePrivacy screenWindbreakStreet treeFraming tree

Companion Plants

Rhododendron Camellia japonicaHostas Ophiopogon japonicus Hydrangea quercifolia

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Southern Magnolia questions

What zones can Southern Magnolia grow in?

Southern Magnolia is hardy in USDA Zones 5–9. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.

Is Southern Magnolia deer resistant?

Yes — Southern Magnolia is rated deer-resistant. Deer typically pass it over, though extreme hunger can override any plant's defenses.

When does Southern Magnolia bloom?

Southern Magnolia typically blooms in spring through summer. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.

Does Southern Magnolia need full sun?

Southern Magnolia does best in full sun to part shade. In hot climates, afternoon shade keeps blooms fresher longer.

Is Southern Magnolia drought tolerant?

Yes — once established (usually after the first full season), Southern Magnolia handles dry spells with minimal watering. Water deeply its first year to build the root system that makes that possible.