Magnolia Guide: Little Gem, Bracken’s Brown Beauty, and DD Blanchard—What’s the Difference?

Magnolia Guide: Little Gem, Bracken’s Brown Beauty, and DD Blanchard—What’s the Difference?

Magnolias are beloved for their glossy green leaves, large fragrant blooms, and year-round appeal. However, with so many varieties to choose from, it can be tough to know which magnolia is right for your landscape. At Flowing Well Tree Farm, we often get questions about the differences between popular magnolia varieties like Little Gem, Bracken’s Brown Beauty, and DD Blanchard. In this post, we’ll break down the key features of each so you can choose the perfect magnolia for your yard.

1. Little Gem Magnolia (Magnolia grandiflora ‘Little Gem’)

The Little Gem is a compact variety of the Southern magnolia, making it perfect for smaller spaces or urban gardens. Here’s what sets it apart:

  • Size: Grows to about 20 to 25 feet tall and 10 to 15 feet wide. It’s considered a dwarf magnolia, ideal for smaller yards or tight spaces.
  • Leaves: The foliage is evergreen, with glossy green leaves and a rusty brown underside, giving it a nice two-tone effect.
  • Flowers: Little Gem produces large, creamy white flowers that are 4 to 6 inches in diameter. These fragrant blooms appear over a long season, typically from late spring to early fall.
  • Growth Rate: Moderately fast-growing and easy to maintain, Little Gem is perfect for homeowners looking for a low-maintenance, space-saving tree.
  • Uses: This magnolia is often used as a specimen tree or in smaller garden designs where height is limited. It also works well as a privacy screen due to its dense, upright growth habit.

2. Bracken’s Brown Beauty Magnolia (Magnolia grandiflora ‘Bracken’s Brown Beauty’)

Bracken’s Brown Beauty is a popular variety known for its hardiness and classic Southern magnolia look. Here are its key characteristics:

  • Size: Reaches 30 to 50 feet tall and 15 to 25 feet wide at maturity. It’s smaller than traditional Southern magnolias but larger than Little Gem.
  • Leaves: The leaves are glossy green on top with a distinctive rusty-brown underside, which adds a warm, earthy tone to the tree’s appearance.
  • Flowers: Like Little Gem, Bracken’s Brown Beauty produces large, fragrant white flowers that can reach up to 8 inches in diameter. The blooms appear from spring through early summer.
  • Growth Rate: This variety grows moderately fast, and its compact, pyramidal shape makes it an attractive option for medium to large landscapes.
  • Hardiness: Bracken’s Brown Beauty is more cold-hardy than many other magnolia varieties, making it an excellent choice for areas with cooler winters.
  • Uses: Ideal for medium-sized landscapes, Bracken’s Brown Beauty works well as a standalone specimen tree, a screening tree, or along property lines.

3. DD Blanchard Magnolia (Magnolia grandiflora ‘DD Blanchard’)

The DD Blanchard is another popular Southern magnolia variety that stands out for its impressive size and distinct foliage. Here’s what you need to know:

  • Size: This magnolia grows larger than the other two, reaching 50 to 60 feet in height and 25 to 35 feet in width. It’s well-suited for larger properties or areas where you want a significant landscape presence.
  • Leaves: The large, leathery leaves of DD Blanchard are a deep, glossy green on top with a striking, coppery-brown underside. The bold contrast between the leaf surfaces gives the tree a dramatic look.
  • Flowers: DD Blanchard produces large, fragrant white flowers that can reach 8 to 10 inches across. The blooms typically appear in late spring and continue into early summer.
  • Growth Rate: It has a moderate to fast growth rate and develops a dense, pyramidal shape, providing year-round interest.
  • Uses: Due to its size, DD Blanchard is ideal for larger landscapes or as a majestic specimen tree. It’s perfect for creating shade or adding significant height to a landscape design.

Choosing the Right Magnolia for Your Landscape

When selecting a magnolia, it’s important to consider your space, the tree’s growth rate, and how much maintenance you’re willing to do. For smaller spaces, Little Gem is an excellent option due to its compact size. Bracken’s Brown Beauty offers hardiness and a mid-sized option that works well for a variety of landscapes. If you’re looking for a larger, show-stopping tree, DD Blanchard is the best choice.

At Flowing Well Tree Farm, we grow and care for these three beautiful varieties, helping you choose the right magnolia for your yard. Visit us today and let us help you find the perfect fit for your landscape.

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