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Magnolia grandiflora
including 'Little Gem', Teddy Bear & other cultivars
Family: MagnoliaceaeUnlike the majority of magnolias cultivated worldwide, Magnolia grandiflora is evergreen. Importantly for Queenslanders, it can be grown in the subtropical climate zones.
In spite of this, it was not commonly encountered here in the past. One wonders why, given the beauty and fragrance of it's large whaite flowers. The original species does grow far too big for suburban gardens, but many inappropriate trees like figs are still to be found in older suburbs.
In recent years, introduction of the smaller-growing 'Little Gem' and a number of other cultivars more appropriate for urban landscapes have introduced M. grandiflora to the general public. Today, M. grandiflora cultivars are popular inclusions in new landscapes in Queensland.
Besides being smaller and/or more compact than the species, many of these new cultivars have the advantage of flowering at a younger age. Cultivars also vary with respect to density of foliage or the development/colouring of the velvety brown undersides of the leaves. The flowers on dwarf cultivars are likely to be somewhat smaller than the species, but still impressive.
Where to buy
You're likely to find 'Little Gem' or some of the more recent cultivar releases in most garden centres in regions where the plants grow. If you're looking for the original species or other cultivars, you may need to find a Magnolia specialist.
To look for a magnolia nursery check the: Main Magnolia Page
If you specifically want to buy plants in large sizes for instant landscapes, try the nurseries listed on the Advanced Plants page.
Magnolia grandiflora in the Landscape
Click for larger images.
Magnolia grandiflora original species with developing seed heads
Magnolia grandiflora 'Little Gem'
These are unidentified landscape plants, but given their age and appearance, are probably 'Little Gem'. Click for larger images.
Magnolia grandiflora 'Southern Charm' AKA Teddy Bear
Some of these are unidentified landscape plants, but given their characteristics (smaller leaf size with thick brown felt on the underside, compact habit) are probably 'Southern Charm', sold under the trade name Teddy Bear™. Click for larger images.
Growth rates: the two photos above were taken 20 months apart
Other Online Information
The following links are for general information - some cultivars mentioned in linked document may be unavailable in Australia. Note that seed propagation is not appropriate for cultivars if you want to be sure of preserving their characteristics.
Magnolia grandiflora (general informatiion, original species)
Southern Magnolia, Bull Bay Magnolia. Grows to approx 30m in the southern United States where it is native, but usually less than 20m in Australia [1].
Southern Magnolia Texas A&M University
Southern Magnolia Magnolia grandiflora. Online Manual of Subtropical Landscaping Plants, Palm Beach Community College, Florida
Southern Magnolia (Magnolia grandiflora) Texas A&M University
Southern magnolia College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resources free publication, University of Hawaii at Manoa, USA (PDF)
Magnolia grandiflora Missouri Botanical Garden
Magnolia Magnolia grandiflora. Flowers of India
Southern magnolia Dendrology at Virginia Tech
Magnolia grandiflora L. Silvics of North America, United States Department of Agriculture Forest Service
Southern Magnolia (Magnolia grandiflora) Horticulture Update, Texas A&M University
Magnolia grandiflora Landscape Plant Propagation Information, University of Florida
Magnolia grandiflora 'Little Gem'
'Little Gem' is a smaller form of Magnolia grandiflora. This plant has hit the Australian gardening scene in a big way , but we have yet to see how it performs in the long term.Americans have somewhat longer experience. It would seem that given enough time and/or optimal conditions, this cultivar can grow taller than the name might suggest. Before choosing a small magnolia for your garden, be sure to check out newer dwarf cultivars such as 'Kay Parris' or 'Teddy bear' which are arguably better in certain respects.
Magnolia Society International Checklist of Magnolia Cultivars containing information on origin of 'Little Gem'
Magnolia grandiflora 'Little Gem', Little Gem Magnolia Planting trees in landscapes by Dr. Ed Gilman, University of Florida (note comments on parent tree of this cultivar)
Little Gem Magnolia Tree at "Vicki's Home" website. Read about Vicki's experience with this tree.
Little Gem Magnolia Cooperative Extension Service, University of Arkansas USA
Magnolia grandiflora 'Little Gem' NC State University, USA
Little Gem Magnolia perfect for new neighbourhoods College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, University of Georgia USA
Magnolia grandiflora 'Little Gem': 'Little Gem' Southern Magnolia University of Florida, USA
Magnolia grandiflora 'Little Gem', Little Gem Magnolia University of Florida
Magnolia grandiflora Teddy Bear
Magnolia grandiflora 'Southern Charm' PP 13,049 Teddy Bear® Magnolia Head Ornamentals, Inc., USA
Magnolia grandiflora 'Exmouth'
Has a more narrow upright habit than the species, but is still a large tree.
Magnolia grandiflora cultivar list North Carolina State University
Magnolia grandiflora 'Kay Parris'
North Carolina's 2009 Showstopper Plants Includes some information on Magnolia grandiflora 'Kay Parris'. N.C. State University, North Carolina
Magnolia grandiflora 'St Mary'
Magnolia grandiflora 'Glen St. Mary' (presumably this is the same or closely related to the cultivar known as 'St Mary') University of Florida (PDF)
Magnolia grandiflora Some information on several cultivars. Oregon State University
Magnolia grandiflora cultivar list North Carolina State University
Growth and Photosynthesis of Magnolia grandiflora 'St. Mary' in Response to Constant and Increased Container Volume (Abstract) Journal of the American Society for Horticultural Science
Other cultivars
Note that some of the cultivars referred to in these links might not be available in Australia. The links have been included for research purposes
Magnolia grandiflora cultivar list North Carolina State University
Southern Magnolia in: NFREC News, Nov 17, 2008. Refers to some of the cultivars on the U.S. market. University of Florida (PDF).
Checklist of New, Improved and Underutilized Trees for North and Central Florida Includes some notes on various M. grandiflora cultivars. University of Florida (PDF)
Magnolia grandiflora 'Brackens Brown Beauty' University of Florida
Magnolia grandiflora 'Bracken's Brown Beauty' Missouri Botanical Garden
Magnolia grandiflora 'Edith Bogue' Missouri Botanical Garden
Hardy Tropicals for Zone 5 including notes on Magnolia grandiflora 'Edith Bogue'
Magnolia grandiflora 'Hasse' University of Florida
Magnolia grandiflora 'Plantation' University of Florida
Magnolia grandiflora 'Mgtig' (Sold as GreenbackTM in USA.) University of Florida
Magnolia grandiflora Some information on several cultivars. Oregon State University
Magnolia Grandiflora leaves at Hindleap June and October 2004
Notes on the difference in leaf morphology betwen several cultivars in UK. The Rhododendron, Camellia & Magnolia Group of the Royal Horticultural Society
Overcoming Seed Dormancy: Trees and Shrubs (includes notes on Southern magnolia) N.C. State University, North Carolina
On other pages:
Magnolias & Michelias (other magnolia species besides M. grandiflora)
References and other sources of information
[1] Ornamental Flowering Trees in Australia. Raymond J. Powell, 1980. AH 7 AW Reed, Frenchs Forest, NSW.