Differences between Magnolia Teddy Bear and Little Gem explained:

Today, we’re diving into the world of magnolias, focusing on two of the most popular varieties: Magnolia Teddy Bear and Magnolia Little Gem. Both of these stunning trees are beloved for their beautiful flowers and glossy evergreen foliage, but they have distinct characteristics that make each unique. Whether you're trying to decide which one to plant or just curious about the differences, this guide will help you understand what sets these two magnolias apart.

Meet the Magnolias; Before we dive into the details, let’s introduce our contenders:

  • Magnolia Teddy Bear

    A compact, upright variety with dense foliage and large, fragrant flowers. It’s known for its rounded, almost "cuddly" appearance, hence the name "Teddy Bear."

  • Magnolia Little Gem

    A more slender and slightly taller magnolia, famous for its long bloom season and ability to fit into smaller garden spaces.

Magnolia Teddy Bear: The Compact Contender

Magnolia Teddy Bear (Magnolia grandiflora 'Teddy Bear') is a relatively new cultivar, and it’s quickly become a favorite for gardeners looking for a compact yet striking magnolia tree.

Key Features:

  • Shape and Size: Teddy Bear has an upright, dense, and compact form, reaching about 4 to 6 meters in height and 2 to 3 meters in width. Its tidy, rounded shape makes it ideal as a large pot plant or as a feature tree in a garden.
  • Foliage: The leaves of Teddy Bear are thick, glossy, and dark green on the upper surface with a rich, bronze-brown underside. This dual-color effect adds depth and interest to the tree’s appearance.
  • Flowers: Teddy Bear produces large, creamy white flowers that are highly fragrant. The flowers are cup-shaped and can reach up to 20 cm in diameter, creating a spectacular display.
  • Growth Rate: It has a moderate growth rate, allowing it to maintain its compact form with minimal pruning.

Magnolia Little Gem: The Elegant Favourite

Magnolia Little Gem (Magnolia grandiflora 'Little Gem') is a classic choice for gardeners who want a more elegant look.

Key Features:

  • Shape and Size: Little Gem has a narrower, more columnar form compared to Teddy Bear, typically growing 4 to 5 meters tall and about 2 to 3 meters wide. Its slender shape makes it perfect for formal screens or hedges.
  • Foliage: Similar to Teddy Bear, Little Gem has glossy, dark green leaves with a rusty-brown underside. However, the leaves are slightly smaller and more elongated, giving the tree a lighter, more delicate appearance.
  • Flowers: Little Gem also boasts large, white, fragrant flowers, but it has a longer blooming season, often flowering from late spring through to autumn. The flowers are slightly smaller than Teddy Bear’s, typically around 10 to 15 cm in diameter.
  • Growth Rate: Little Gem grows faster than Teddy Bear, which can be an advantage if you’re looking to establish a tree quickly.

Comparing Magnolia Teddy Bear and Little Gem; Now that you’ve been introduced to both varieties, let’s compare them side by side:

  • Height / Width

    Magnolia Teddy Bear: 4-6 meters / 2-3 meters

    Magnolia Little Gem: 4-5 meters / 2-3 meters

  • Shape

    Magnolia Teddy Bear: Compact, upright, and rounded

    Magnolia Little Gem: Slender, columnar

  • Foliage

    Magnolia Teddy Bear: Thick, glossy green with bronze-brown undersides

    Magnolia Little Gem: Glossy green with rusty-brown undersides, smaller leaves

  • Flower Size

    Magnolia Teddy Bear: Large (up to 20 cm), cup-shaped

    Magnolia Little Gem: Slightly smaller (10-15 cm), long blooming season

  • Growth Rate

    Magnolia Teddy Bear: Moderate

    Magnolia Little Gem: Faster

  • Best For

    Magnolia Teddy Bear: Large pots, gardens, feature tree, formal landscapes

    Magnolia Little Gem: Large pots, Smaller spaces, screens, hedges, long blooming season

Choosing the Right Magnolia for Your Garden; When deciding between Magnolia Teddy Bear and Little Gem, consider the following:

  • Available Space

    If you have limited space or want a tree that is more slender, Little Gem might be the better option. Its slightly smaller size and slender form make it easier to manage.

  • Feature Plant

    If you’re looking for a magnolia that will grow a little bit taller and create more of a bushy statement, Teddy Bear is the way to go. It’s perfect as a feature tree with its its dense growth and pyramidal shape.

  • Bloom Preference

    If you want a magnolia that flowers over a longer period, Little Gem’s extended blooming season is a significant advantage. Teddy Bear, while producing larger flowers, has a shorter bloom time.

Bringing Magnolia Elegance to Your Garden

Both Magnolia Teddy Bear and Magnolia Little Gem are excellent choices for adding year-round beauty to your garden. Their evergreen foliage and stunning flowers will bring a touch of elegance to any landscape.

At Platypus Plants, we deliver these varieties of magnolias directly from our wholesale growers. Whether you’re leaning towards the compact charm of Teddy Bear or the graceful height of Little Gem, we’ve got the perfect magnolia for your garden.