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.

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 (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.

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.