Magnolia grandiflora Bracken’s Brown Beauty, commonly known as Southern Magnolia, is a cold-hardy evergreen tree prized for its dense, upright form, glossy dark green leaves with rich, rusty-brown undersides, and large, fragrant white flowers. This cultivar typically grows 30 to 50 feet tall and 15 to 25 feet wide, forming a pyramidal shape that works well as a specimen, screen, or evergreen anchor in the landscape. Blooming from late spring through summer, its flowers are lemon-scented and highly ornamental. Magnolia grandiflora ‘Bracken’s Brown Beauty’ is one of the best choices for northern gardens seeking the beauty of a Southern Magnolia.

Why choose Magnolia grandiflora ‘Bracken’s Brown Beauty’

Evergreen foliage: Glossy leaves with striking brown undersides offer year-round appeal

Cold-hardy selection: More adaptable to northern climates than other varieties

Fragrant blooms: Large white flowers deliver a classic southern charm

Cultivating tips

Sun exposure: Full sun to part shade

Soil needs: Moist, well-drained, acidic soil; mulch helps retain moisture and protect roots

Maintenance: Low—minimal pruning required, best done after flowering

Designs for your garden

Specimen tree: Bold presence with year-round foliage and seasonal flowers

Privacy screen: Dense structure makes it suitable for hedging or screening

Foundation or corner planting: Adds height and structure to large landscape beds

Ecological benefits

Pollinator-friendly: Flowers attract bees and other beneficial insects

Wildlife shelter: Evergreen canopy provides year-round cover

Low-maintenance native cultivar: Thrives with minimal input once established

Similar native alternatives

Looking for a native option? Here are three native plants that offer similar seasonal interest and landscape value:

– Magnolia virginiana Moonglow® PP12065 – Moon-Glo Magnolia

– Magnolia virginiana – Sweetbay magnolia

– Amelanchier canadensis – Serviceberry