How to Make a Fresh Magnolia Mixed Branch Wreath

This easy-to-make fresh magnolia wreath is perfect for the fall season, as well as the holidays. I’ll show you how I incorporated not only magnolia leaves from the tree in our yard, but mixed branches of all kinds and dried oranges. Step-by-step instructions are below.

I love making fresh wreaths for the holidays. It’s a simple way to decorate for fall both indoors and out.

Living in the Pacific Northwest definitely has its benefits with an abundance of evergreen pine trees everywhere you look in Western Washington.

What I didn’t realize at the time we moved into our home 10 years ago was how amazing it would be to have a magnolia tree on our property.

If I’m going to be completely honest, I didn’t much care for the tree at first. Don’t get me wrong… I love the actual magnolia flowers it produced, but the leaves and pods that drop in late spring and early summer were absolutely irritating.

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But now I’ve learned to appreciate all that this beautiful magnolia tree has to offer. These gorgeous leaves are perfect for making DIY projects such as beautiful garlands and wreaths. The glossy leaves, and the velvety textured rich and rust-colored undersides, create an amazing contrast.  

If you don’t have a magnolia tree or a neighbor who does, most floral nurseries have magnolia leaves in the bundles. A single stem has quite a few leaves on it, so it doesn’t take many. You can really use one branch, and then wire the bundle to the wreath.

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Materials Needed for a Fresh Magnolia Wreath

• Magnolia leaves
• Assorted greenery clippings such as Fir, Cedar, Eucalyptus, Boxwood, Bay Leaf, Rosemary
• Garden pruners or floral shears
• Floral wire
• Wire wreath frame or grapevine wreath
• Dried oranges (optional)
• Ribbon (optional)
• Pinecones (optional)

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The Steps to Making a Fresh Magnolia Wreath

You can also choose to only use magnolia leaves for your wreath and will look beautiful. For this wreath, I’m adding a few natural elements to not only create interest but also to add contrast.

Step 1

Bundle about 3 to 4 branches of your tree clippings, and trim them so they are all the same height. Cut a long piece of floral wire and wrap it tightly around the base of the clippings to secure. Leave enough wire on both sides to tie to the wreath.

Note: I found that for me, it works better to use one continuous piece of wire for the entire wreath because it’s more secure. It’s a personal preference.

If you choose to use this method, be sure to anchor the wire to the wreath frame by twisting it back around itself to secure it.

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Step 2

Wrap each bundle around the wreath form with floral wire, overlapping them so that the stems are covered by the leaves of the next bundle. Place slightly offset of the tree branches then secure to the wreath with wire.

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Step 3

Continue making the greenery sets, working around the wreath, layering one set on top of the other as you work around the wreath.

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Step 4

If you have decided not to use a continuous piece of wire to attach the branches, take the floral wire and wire wrap all the branches together to the wreath about every 3 inches until you complete the circle, to make the wreath more secure. 

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Step 5 – Optional

*Use this step if you are going to use dried oranges on your wreath.

Using the floral wire, create dried orange bundles (each with three slices) by threading the wire through the orange slices. Gently twist the floral wire to secure each bundle. Leave enough wire on your bundles so you can attach them to the wreath. Attach the dried orange bundles throughout the wreath.

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Step 6

Add ribbon, bows, pinecones, or anything else to your magnolia wreath to create and personalize it and make it your very own.

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In most areas, your fresh magnolia wreath should last for a few months, but over time the green leaves will fade to brown. The underneath will stay the same color.

The leaves will become more brittle as the wreath ages, so wipe it gently with a soft cloth to clean it without breaking the leaves.

You can also mist your wreath with water to keep it fresh.

I hope this inspires you to create your own wreath for the holidays.

Until next time,

Happy Wreath Making!

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More Inspiration For You…

My friend Stacy at Bricks ‘n Blooms has created some incredible outdoor planters for winter. Make sure you check out her blog. She’s one of my favorites!

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