Magnolia Leaves – Finding One With Brown-Backed Leaves

Q: I use magnolia leaves to wrap Christmas presents. I had a hard time finding leaves with brown backs this year so I want to plant a magnolia with brown-backed leaves.

A: ‘Bracken’s Brown Beauty’ is just right for you! The leaves sport attractive brown backsides and the tree grows to a compact thirty feet tall. Given full sunshine and soft soil in which to grow a few years, you should be able to harvest a plethora of leaves each winter.