Teddy Bear Magnolia: How to Grow and Care for Them

The Teddy Bear Magnolia (Magnolia grandiflora ‘Teddy Bear’) is a charming, evergreen tree prized for its compact size, glossy, dark green leaves, and fragrant, creamy-white flowers. Perfect for small gardens, patios, or as an accent tree, it offers year-round beauty with minimal maintenance. Here’s everything you need to know about growing and caring for this Southern favorite.

How Big Will a Teddy Bear Magnolia Get?

The Teddy Bear Magnolia is considered a dwarf variety, making it ideal for urban landscapes and smaller yards. At maturity, it typically grows 16 to 20 feet tall and 8 to 10 feet wide, forming a dense, upright, pyramidal shape. This compact growth habit makes it easier to manage than the standard Southern magnolia, which can exceed 60 feet in height.

How Quickly Does Teddy Bear Magnolia Grow?

While not the fastest grower, the Teddy Bear Magnolia has a moderate growth rate, averaging about 12 to 24 inches per year under ideal conditions. Regular watering, full sun, and well-drained soil can help encourage more vigorous growth, especially in the early years after planting.

How Do You Care for a Teddy Bear Magnolia Tree?

Caring for a Teddy Bear Magnolia is straightforward if you keep a few key factors in mind:

• Sunlight: Prefers full sun to partial shade. At least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily will ensure healthy growth and abundant blooms.
• Soil: Grows best in slightly acidic, well-draining soil. If your soil is clay-heavy, consider amending it or planting in a raised bed.
• Watering: Keep the soil evenly moist, especially during the first two years. Once established, it becomes moderately drought-tolerant.
• Mulching: Apply a 2–3 inch layer of mulch to retain moisture, regulate soil temperature, and prevent weeds.
• Pruning: Minimal pruning is needed—mainly to remove dead or damaged branches or to shape the tree after flowering.

Bonus tip: Feed with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring to support foliage and bloom production.

Which Is Better, a Teddy Bear or a Little Gem Magnolia?

Both Teddy Bear and Little Gem magnolias are excellent compact varieties, but the right choice depends on your landscape needs:

• Teddy Bear Magnolia: Has a more upright, conical shape and denser foliage, making it better for screening and tighter spaces. It also has thicker, shinier leaves and a slightly more formal appearance.
• Little Gem Magnolia: Grows slightly taller (20–25 feet), spreads wider, and blooms more prolifically at a younger age. It’s ideal for those who want more flowers and a broader canopy.

In short, choose Teddy Bear for its neat, tight form and rich evergreen foliage. Opt for Little Gem if you want a bit more bloom power and looser structure.

Final Thoughts

Whether you’re creating a privacy screen, enhancing a front yard, or just love magnolias, the Teddy Bear Magnolia is a gorgeous, low-maintenance tree that brings Southern charm in a smaller package. With the right care, this tree will reward you with lush foliage and elegant blooms for years to come.

FAQs:

• How big will a Teddy Bear magnolia get?
  About 16–20 feet tall and 8–10 feet wide.
• How quickly does Teddy Bear magnolia grow?
  Approximately 1–2 feet per year.
• Which is better, a Teddy Bear or a Little Gem magnolia?
  Teddy Bear for tight, formal spaces; Little Gem for more blooms and a wider spread.
• How do you care for a Teddy Bear magnolia tree?
  Provide sun, moist soil, mulch, and minimal pruning.