Magnolia grandiflora “Teddy Bear”

Botanical Name: Magnolia grandiflora

Teddy Bear is a very compact large shrub with an upright growth habit. It will reach up to 4m in height and up to 2m in width, although this will take up to 10 years.

Magnolia Taddy Bear has beautiful dark green glossy leaves with a heavy covering of brown soft felt on the underside.

As the teddy Bear is slow growing it will take 3-4 years before bearing flowers which are present throughout Summer and Autumn. These fragrant flowers are white and can grow 15-20cm in diameter, making a spectacular display

Magnolia Teddy Bear will flower and grow its best when in the ground or a large pot ( use premium potting mix) and placed in a full sun or part shade position. Mulch when planting and fertilise in Spring and again in Summer. If in a pot , liquid feed monthly during the warmer months to ensure maximum growth.

They make a lovely specimen plant or hedge.

Categories: Feature Trees, Shrubs, Hedging and Screening Tag: Best Sellers

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Plant Growing Tips

Where to Grow

Magnolia 'Teddy Bear' thrives in full sun to partial shade. Choose a location that receives at least 4-6 hours of sunlight each day. This compact variety is ideal for smaller gardens, narrow spaces, or large containers. It also works well as a feature plant or in screening hedges. Ensure the planting site is well-drained but retains enough moisture to support healthy growth.

Climate

Magnolia 'Teddy Bear' prefers a temperate to warm climate, growing best in temperatures between 15°C and 30°C. It is hardy to light frosts and can handle short periods of colder weather, but young plants should be protected from extreme cold. In warmer regions, some afternoon shade can help prevent leaf burn during intense heat.

Soil Type

Plant Magnolia 'Teddy Bear' in well-draining soil. A loamy, slightly acidic soil enriched with organic matter, such as compost, is ideal. The soil pH should be between 5.5 and 6.5 for optimal growth. Avoid waterlogged soils, as magnolias are sensitive to root rot when their roots sit in standing water for prolonged periods.

Fertilizer

Feed Magnolia 'Teddy Bear' with a balanced, slow-release fertiliser in early spring and again in mid-summer. Organic options, such as compost or a slow-release general-purpose fertiliser, will support strong growth and abundant flowering. Be careful not to over-fertilise, as this can lead to excessive leaf growth at the expense of flowers.

Plant Care

Watering

During the first few years, water Magnolia ‘Teddy Bear’ regularly to support strong root development. Keep the soil evenly moist but avoid waterlogging. Once established, the plant is more drought-tolerant but benefits from deep watering during extended dry periods to sustain its lush foliage and blooms.

Pruning

Prune lightly after flowering to maintain a neat, compact form. Remove any dead or damaged branches and thin out dense areas to improve airflow. Minimal pruning is required, but this magnolia adapts well to shaping when necessary.

Pests

Inspect regularly for pests such as scale, aphids, or mealybugs. Treat infestations promptly with neem oil or insecticidal soap. While Magnolia ‘Teddy Bear’ is typically resistant to diseases, good air circulation can help prevent issues like leaf spot or powdery mildew in humid environments.