Evergreen

Bracken's Brown Beauty southern magnolia

Magnolia grandiflora 'Bracken's Brown Beauty'

Bracken's Brown Beauty southern magnolia forms a dense, upright evergreen tree with glossy leaves and brown undersides. Large, fragrant, creamy white flowers appear from late spring into summer, followed by cone-like fruit structures. In Southwest Washington, give this southern magnolia a sheltered position with full sun to partial shade and moist, acidic, well-drained soil. It grows slowly to moderately, but plan for a mature tree about 30 to 50 feet tall and 15 to 30 feet wide, sometimes wider. Set it in a broad lawn or use it as an evergreen screen where falling leaves and its eventual spread have room.

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Bracken's Brown Beauty southern magnolia

At a glance

Mature height: About 30–50 ft
Mature spread: About 15–30 ft, sometimes wider
Light: Full sun to partial shade
Hardiness: Relatively cold hardy for a southern magnolia; shelter from winter wind

The right plant, the right place

Make room for something good.

Its dense evergreen canopy can screen a broad property edge or stand alone in a lawn. The flowers and brown-backed foliage add seasonal and year-round interest.

Where to plant

Choose a sheltered position with space for a mature tree, away from cramped foundation beds. Full sun to partial shade suits it.

Through the seasons

Fragrant creamy white flowers open from late spring into summer. Glossy leaves remain through winter, and cone-like fruit structures follow the flowers.

Southwest Washington gardens

Give it a good start.

In Southwest Washington, favor a mild site protected from winter wind. Give the canopy room to develop and watch for leaf burn after cold spells.

Soil, drainage & water

Roots need moisture without waterlogging, in acidic soil rich in organic matter. During establishment, maintain mulch over the root area and water through dry spells.

A little care goes a long way