Southern Magnolia

About this plant

This superior cultivar of the classic Southern Magnolia stands out with its exceptionally compact and conical growth habit, making it ideal for both grand estates and more moderately sized landscapes. Its foliage is notably denser and darker green than the species, featuring a rich, velvety brown underside that provides striking contrast, especially when breezes rustle the leaves. From late spring through summer, 'Bracken's Brown Beauty' graces the garden with an abundance of large, creamy-white, cup-shaped flowers that emit a captivating, lemon-citrus fragrance. These iconic blooms are a true spectacle, attracting pollinators and adding a touch of timeless elegance to any setting. Following the flowers, attractive cone-like seed pods emerge, developing vibrant red seeds that offer seasonal interest and provide food for birds. Beyond its aesthetic appeal, this cultivar boasts excellent cold hardiness, maintaining its lustrous evergreen foliage even through colder winters. Its robust nature, combined with its refined form and breathtaking floral display, makes it an unparalleled choice for a distinguished specimen tree, a sophisticated screen, or a grand avenue planting.

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

Plant in well-drained, acidic to neutral soil. Water regularly during the first growing season to establish a deep, extensive root system. Once established, it is relatively drought tolerant. Requires minimal pruning; prune only to remove dead or diseased branches or to maintain shape. Protect young trees from harsh winter winds in colder zones.

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.