Magnolia grandiflora 'Teddy Bear'

The Teddy Bear is a highly popular compact forming Magnolia with a truly beautiful form, named after its large oval foliage which resembles teddy bear ears. Classic Magnolia deep green foliage with velvety brown undersides. Produces large fragrant white flowers. Perfect feature tree, screening and hedging specimen for residential gardens.

Quick Info

Height: 3–4m

Width: 2m (compact, narrower form)

Growth Rate: Moderate

Frost Tolerance: Frost tolerant once established

Drought Tolerance: Drought tolerant once established

Positioning: Full sun to part shade - Full sun preferred for optimal foliage colour development and prolific flowering.

Pest & Disease: Generally very hardy with few significant pest or disease issues. Occasional scale insects or spider mites in very hot conditions—manage with water spray. Overall, a robust and reliable performer.

Pruning & Maintenance: Minimal pruning required. Prune after flowering to maintain shape and encourage ongoing flowering. The compact, naturally narrow habit requires little intervention to maintain its elegant form.

Perfect For

> Feature trees in residential gardens and courtyards

> Screening and hedging 

> Formal garden designs and architectural plantings

> Narrow spaces requiring compact form

> Container planting in larger pots

Plant Variety Overview

Magnolia grandiflora 'Teddy Bear' is a charming compact cultivar of the iconic Magnolia grandiflora, named after its distinctive large oval foliage which resembles teddy bear ears. This tight and narrow-forming variety delivers all the sophisticated elegance of classic Magnolias in a space-efficient size perfect for residential gardens, courtyards and confined urban spaces.

The tree displays the characteristic deep glossy green foliage on upper surfaces with velvety rich brown undersides that define the Magnolia genus. The naturally narrow, compact branching habit requires minimal pruning to maintain elegant form.

During the growing season, large fragrant white flowers appear, delivering the refined beauty and perfume that make Magnolias so prized by landscape professionals and gardeners alike.

Teddy Bear is an excellent choice for those seeking Magnolia character and flowering without the ultimate size of full-growing varieties. The combination of attractive foliage form, compact growth habit, hardiness and reliable flowering makes this cultivar exceptional for both small residential gardens and professional landscaping applications requiring restrained proportions.

Why You'll Love It

> Distinctive Foliage Form: Large oval leaves resembling teddy bear ears create unique and instantly recognisable charm

> Compact, Narrow Growth: Space-efficient size perfect for residential gardens, courtyards and confined spaces where other Magnolias are too large

> Luxurious Foliage Character: Classic Magnolia deep green with velvety brown undersides delivers refined elegance

> Fragrant Flowers: Large fragrant white flowers during the growing season provide sophisticated ornamental display

> Dual Hardiness: Frost and drought tolerant once established—reliable performer across diverse Australian sites

> Versatile Application: Equally suited to feature tree, screening or hedging roles depending on garden design requirements

> Low-No Maintenance: Minimal pruning required to maintain natural elegant form once established

Height Approximates in Pots for this Variety

Availability

Magnolia Teddy Bear is a popular landscaping choice and regularly available across Australian nurseries in all eastern States, NSW, QLD, VIC & SA.  Contact us to confirm current stock and pricing in your region.