Magnolia Teddy Bear

Magnolia ‘Teddy Bear’ (Magnolia grandiflora ‘Teddy Bear’)

Magnolia ‘Teddy Bear’ is a compact evergreen tree prized for its dense foliage, upright growth, and large, fragrant white flowers. A refined selection of Southern Magnolia, it is widely used in hedging, screening, and feature planting where a structured, lush appearance is desired.

Its naturally narrow form and rich foliage make it ideal for modern landscapes and tighter spaces.

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Key Specifications

Botanical name: Magnolia grandiflora ‘Teddy Bear’
Common name: Teddy Bear Magnolia

Plant type: Evergreen tree

Mature height: 4 to 6 metres
Mature width: 2 to 3 metres

Typical hedge height: 2 to 4 metres
Typical hedge width: 1.5 to 2 metres

Growth rate: Moderate
Time to maturity: Approximately 4 to 6 years

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Growth Habit and Structure

Magnolia ‘Teddy Bear’ forms a dense, upright tree with a naturally compact, conical shape.

Strong central leader with tight branching
Maintains a neat, vertical form
Ideal for structured planting and screening

Its compact habit makes it more manageable than traditional Magnolia varieties.

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Foliage and Appearance

The foliage is a standout feature, providing year-round interest.

Leaves are:

Large, thick, and glossy
Deep green on top
Covered with a soft, velvety brown underside

The contrast between the green upper surface and brown underside adds depth and texture.

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Growth and Establishment

Magnolia ‘Teddy Bear’ establishes steadily and develops into a dense, structured tree.

Early stage:
Focuses on root development and upright growth

2–3 years:
Noticeable increase in height and canopy density

4–6 years:
Reaches mature size with a full, compact form

Its controlled growth allows for easy maintenance.

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Light Requirements

Performs best in full sun to partial shade.

Full sun:
Encourages dense growth and flowering

Partial shade:
Maintains healthy foliage with slightly softer growth

Suitable for a range of garden positions.

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Watering Requirements

Responds well to consistent watering during establishment.

During establishment:
Water regularly to support root development

Once established:
Water weekly or as needed depending on conditions

In warmer periods:
Additional watering supports healthy growth

Consistent moisture promotes lush foliage and strong performance.

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Soil Preferences

Performs best in well-drained soil enriched with organic matter.

Suitable for:

Loam soils
Sandy soils
Improved clay soils

Adapts well to a variety of soil conditions when properly prepared.

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Pruning and Maintenance

Low-maintenance and naturally structured.

Minimal pruning required due to compact habit
Light shaping can maintain desired form
Suitable for hedging and screening

Maintains a clean, architectural appearance with little effort.

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Fertilising

Benefits from regular feeding.

Apply a balanced slow-release fertiliser during the growing season
Organic mulch improves soil condition

Feeding supports healthy growth and foliage quality.

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Flowering Features

Produces large, creamy-white flowers with a strong fragrance.

Flowers are:

Broad and cup-shaped
Highly fragrant
Appear during warmer months

The blooms provide a bold contrast against the dark foliage.

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Spacing Guide

For hedging or screening:

Plant 1.5 to 2 metres apart

Closer spacing creates a denser screen
Wider spacing allows individual tree form

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Landscaping Uses

Magnolia ‘Teddy Bear’ is ideal for:

Screening and privacy hedging
Feature trees
Formal planting designs
Driveways and avenues
Courtyards and structured gardens

Its upright form makes it suitable for narrow spaces.

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Longevity and Performance

A long-lasting tree that maintains structure and appearance over time.

Provides year-round greenery and seasonal flowering
Suitable for long-term landscape use
Maintains a dense, uniform canopy

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Summary

Magnolia ‘Teddy Bear’ is a compact evergreen tree growing to approximately 4–6 metres tall and 2–3 metres wide. It establishes over 4–6 years, forming a dense, upright plant with glossy green leaves and velvety brown undersides, along with large fragrant white flowers.

Its tidy form, rich foliage, and versatility make it an excellent choice for hedging, screening, and feature planting in modern landscapes.