Southern Magnolia

About this plant

Elevate your landscape with the timeless elegance of *Magnolia grandiflora* 'Bracken's Brown Beauty'. This premium evergreen tree is celebrated for its exceptionally large, creamy-white, lemon-scented flowers that bloom profusely throughout summer, providing a captivating display and intoxicating aroma. Its glossy, dark green leaves with a distinctive coppery-brown underside create a rich, textural backdrop year-round. Unlike some other Southern Magnolias, 'Bracken's Brown Beauty' maintains a more compact and upright, broadly conical habit, making it an excellent choice for a variety of garden styles, from formal to contemporary. It offers year-round visual interest and can serve as a stunning focal point, a majestic shade tree, or an impressive screen. Renowned for its resilience and adaptability, this cultivar thrives in a range of conditions once established. Its refined appearance and robust nature make it a top choice for discerning homeowners and landscapers seeking enduring beauty.

Installation timing

When we're in season, outside of the winter months, our goal is to get your plants installed within about two weeks. That window gives us enough time to secure your plants from our supplier and find a spot on the schedule. Throughout the process we stay in touch through notifications and your existing client portal on the main A Cut Above website, which is separate from this landscaping plants shop.

Care & maintenance

Prefers rich, acidic, well-draining soil. Water regularly during the first year to establish. Requires minimal pruning once mature, primarily to remove dead or crossing branches. Protect young trees from strong winds.

Watering suggestions

Proper watering is the single most important factor in your plant's survival after installation. Newly installed plants have a limited root system and rely on you for consistent moisture while they establish.

• First 2 weeks: Water deeply every day (or every other day in cooler, wet weather), soaking the root ball and surrounding soil.
• Weeks 3–12: Water deeply 2–3 times per week, adjusting for rain, heat, and soil drainage.
• After establishment: Water deeply about once a week during the growing season, and more often in extreme heat or drought.
• How to check: Stick a finger 2–3 inches into the soil near the roots — if it's dry, it's time to water. Deep, less-frequent watering encourages strong roots; shallow daily sprinkles do not.
• Avoid: Overwatering (soggy, waterlogged soil) is just as harmful as underwatering and can drown roots.

Watering needs vary by plant, season, soil, and exposure. Because proper watering is the customer's responsibility after installation, please make sure you understand and can follow these suggestions before ordering.

Good to know: plants and trees purchased from and installed by A Cut Above include a one-year limited warranty from the date of installation. Because plant survival depends heavily on proper watering and care after installation, losses caused by improper care, neglect, animal or chemical damage, or extreme weather are not covered, and we must be given the chance to inspect a struggling plant before it's removed or replaced. Coverage is one replacement per plant. Read our warranty info.