Species

Magnolia grandifloraSouthern Magnolia

6 other cultivars

treeN. America Native

Teddy Bear Southern Magnolia

Magnolia grandiflora 'Teddy Bear'

$149.95

The Story

Plant Bio

Magnolia grandiflora, the Southern magnolia, is a broadleaf evergreen tree native to the southeastern United States, known for its large glossy leaves and fragrant white blossoms. In the wild, it forms a massive canopy and thrives in moist, rich, well-drained soils along the coastal plain.

'Southern Charm', widely marketed under the trade name 'Teddy Bear', is a compact, narrow pyramidal cultivar that reaches only 15 to 20 feet tall with a dense, formal habit. The leathery leaves feature a striking, velvety, rust-colored indumentum on their undersides, and the plant produces large, cup-shaped, fragrant white flowers from late spring through summer.

Uses & Benefits:

Dense, upright pyramidal form with glossy green leaves, rusty-brown undersides, and large, fragrant white summer flowers.

Functions as a highly effective, low-maintenance evergreen privacy screen or windbreak in compact urban spaces.

Provides nesting shelter for birds; flowers attract beetles and bees, while seeds feed small mammals and songbirds.

SpeciesMagnolia grandifloraSouthern Magnolia

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Tree

Height

240"

Width

144"

Light

Full Sun, Partial Sun

Zones

7, 8, 9

Water

Medium

Humidity

High

Lifespan

Long-lived

Native To

North America

Toxicity

Non-toxic

Bloom period

Late spring – Summer

In flower about 4 months of the year

Marketplace

Where to Buy

Garden Goods Direct

In Stock$149.95

Shipping costs Year-round shipping Free shipping

Planting

How to Grow

Select a planting site in full sun to partial shade with deep, organically rich, well-draining soil.
Dig a hole twice as wide as the root ball but no deeper, ensuring the top of the root flare sits slightly above the surrounding soil grade.
Backfill with native soil, water deeply to settle, and apply a 3-inch layer of organic mulch around the root zone, keeping it clear of the trunk.
Provide deep weekly irrigation during the first two growing seasons to establish a deep root system, tapering off once established.

Pro Tip

Plant in a raised mound if your soil contains heavy clay, as poor drainage triggers fatal Phytophthora root rot. Avoid pruning hard into old, leafless wood, which lacks active buds and fails to regenerate.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Mulch annually to conserve soil moisture and protect the shallow root system.
Water deeply during extended dry spells, especially in the first three years.
Prune lightly immediately after the summer flowering flush to maintain shape.

Don't

Do not plant in low-lying areas prone to standing water or heavy, waterlogged clay.
Do not prune heavily into old, bare wood, as it will not reliably sprout new growth.
Do not over-fertilize with high-nitrogen feeds, which produces weak, frost-susceptible growth.

Seasonal Care Calendar

Task	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Fertilize
Mulch
Pest Check
Prune

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Specimen treePrivacy screenFormal hedgeCourtyard planting

Companion Plants

Gardenia jasminoides Hydrangea quercifolia Camellia japonica Ophiopogon japonicus

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Teddy Bear Southern Magnolia questions

What zones can Teddy Bear Southern Magnolia grow in?

Teddy Bear Southern Magnolia is hardy in USDA Zones 7–9. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.

When does Teddy Bear Southern Magnolia bloom?

Teddy Bear Southern Magnolia typically blooms in late spring through summer. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.

Does Teddy Bear Southern Magnolia need full sun?

Teddy Bear Southern Magnolia does best in full sun to part shade. In hot climates, afternoon shade keeps blooms fresher longer.

Is Teddy Bear Southern Magnolia drought tolerant?

Yes — once established (usually after the first full season), Teddy Bear Southern Magnolia handles dry spells with minimal watering. Water deeply its first year to build the root system that makes that possible.