The Bracken’s Brown Beauty Magnolia (Magnolia grandiflora ‘Bracken’s Brown Beauty’) is a stunning evergreen tree prized for its beauty and resilience. Here are its key features:

Appearance:

• Foliage: Large, glossy, dark green leaves with rich brown, velvety undersides, creating a striking contrast.
• Flowers: Creamy white, fragrant, cup-shaped blooms appear in late spring to summer. Each flower measures up to 5-8 inches across.  Blooms from early May to June.
• Size: A medium-sized magnolia, it typically grows 30-50 feet tall and 15-30 feet wide, making it ideal for smaller landscapes.
• Shape: Compact pyramidal form

Growth & Care:

• Growth Rate: Moderate.
• Sunlight: Thrives in full sun to partial shade.
• Soil: Prefers well-drained, acidic to slightly neutral soils, though it is adaptable.
• Hardiness: Hardy in USDA zones 5-9. It can withstand colder climates better than many other magnolias.
• Drought Tolerance: Once established, it is drought-tolerant but benefits from occasional deep watering during dry spells.
• Growth Rate:  Grows about 1 to 2 feet per year.

Uses:

• Landscaping: Popular as a specimen tree, hedge, or privacy screen due to its dense foliage.
• Wildlife: The fragrant flowers attract pollinators, and the seeds provide food for birds.  At full maturity, it releases coated red seeds on slender threads perfect for birds to munch on.

Special Features:

• Its compact growth habit and tolerance for urban conditions make it a favorite for both residential and commercial landscaping. The unique brown underside of its leaves adds texture and interest year-round.