Magnolia 'Bracken's Brown Beauty — 2003 Plant of Merit

Unlike the species, this southern magnolia cultivar is reliably winter hardy in the region. It grows to 30 feet tall and is noted for its dense, compact, narrow pyramidal form. Large, fragrant, cup-shaped white flowers bloom in late spring, with sparse continued flowering throughout summer. Birds love the attractive red fruits that develop in cone shaped clusters late in the season. Thick, leathery, evergreen, glossy dark green leaves with rusty brown undersides are attractive year round. This is an excellent specimen tree that is best sited in a sheltered location. Height: 20 to 30 feet and spread: 15 to 25 feet