Species

Magnolia grandifloraSouthern Magnolia

2 other cultivars

treeN. America Native

Teddy Bear Magnolia

Magnolia grandiflora 'Teddy Bear'

$149.95

The Story

Plant Bio

Magnolia grandiflora is an evergreen tree native to the southeastern United States, characterised by its thick, leathery leaves and large, fragrant flowers. The species establishes a deep, wide-spreading but shallow root system that requires well-drained, organic-rich soils to prevent root rot.

'Southern Charm', frequently marketed under the trademark Teddy Bear, is a compact cultivar that grows to a height of three to five metres with a dense, narrowly pyramidal form. Its foliage features glossy, deep green upper surfaces contrasted by a heavy, velvety, cinnamon-bronze indumentum on the undersides.

Uses & Benefits:

Features glossy green leaves with velvety bronze undersides and large, fragrant creamy-white flowers.

Provides an excellent dense screen or windbreak suitable for narrow suburban boundaries.

Attracts native bees, beneficial insects, and nectar-feeding birds to the garden.

SpeciesMagnolia grandifloraSouthern Magnolia

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Tree

Height

196 inches

Width

137 inches

Light

Full Sun, Partial Sun

Zones

7, 8, 9, 10

Water

Moderate

Humidity

High

Lifespan

Long-lived

Native To

North America (cultivar origin)

Toxicity

Non-toxic

Bloom period

Spring – Autumn

In flower about 7 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 site in full sun to part shade with free-draining, fertile soil of slightly acidic to neutral pH.
Dig a planting hole twice the width of the root ball but no deeper, ensuring the plant sits at the same level as in the container.
Backfill with soil enriched with compost or well-rotted manure, tamping down gently to eliminate air pockets.
Water deeply immediately after planting, and apply a thick layer of organic mulch while keeping it clear of the trunk.

Pro Tip

Avoid underplanting or digging beneath the canopy, as the shallow, sensitive root system reacts poorly to soil disturbance and compaction.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Water deeply and weekly during the first summer to establish the root system.
Apply a balanced, slow-release fertiliser annually in early spring.
Maintain a 5 to 7 centimetre layer of organic mulch to preserve soil moisture.

Don't

Do not plant in heavy, poorly drained clay soils without raising the garden bed or improving drainage.
Do not prune heavily into old, bare wood, as the plant responds poorly to severe rejuvenation.
Do not disturb the shallow root system by digging or heavily underplanting directly under the canopy.

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

Feature TreeScreening and HedgingNarrow SpacesCourtyards

Companion Plants

Gardenia jasminoides Camellia japonica Liriope muscari

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Teddy Bear Magnolia questions

What zones can Teddy Bear Magnolia grow in?

Teddy Bear Magnolia is hardy in USDA Zones 7–10. 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 Magnolia bloom?

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

Does Teddy Bear Magnolia need full sun?

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

Is Teddy Bear Magnolia drought tolerant?

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