Huma Naveed
Australians love magnolias for their glossy evergreen leaves, creamy white flowers, and lush year-round look. But when it comes to compact varieties, two favourites always lead the debate — Teddy Bear Magnolia vs Little Gem.
Two Popular Evergreen Magnolias in Australia
Both Teddy Bear and Little Gem are evergreen cultivars of Magnolia grandiflora, native to the southern United States but widely grown in Australian climates.
Feature: Teddy Bear Magnolia, Little Gem Magnolia
Height 3–4 metres 4–6 metres
Width 2–3 metres 3–4 metres
Growth Rate: Slow to moderate, Moderate to fast
Leaf Colour Glossy green top, rich bronze underside Dark green top, light brown underside
Flower Size Large (up to 20 cm) Medium (10–15 cm)
Sunlight Full sun to part shade Full sun preferred
Best Use Feature tree, small gardens, pots, Hedges, screening, large yards.
Growth Habit and Size
Teddy Bear Magnolia grows into a compact, upright cone shape — ideal for small backyards or courtyards. The Teddy Bear Magnolia keeps a tidy, rounded form and rarely becomes too large for its spot.
That makes it suitable for smaller gardens, courtyards, and front yards where space is limited.
In contrast, the Little Gem Magnolia tends to reach greater heights and spread more widely. It naturally grows into a thick screen, making it a great choice for creating privacy or defining garden boundaries in bigger spaces.
Verdict:
- Go for a Teddy Bear if you want a compact, low-maintenance tree that fits neatly into small areas or decorative pots.
- Pick Little Gem if your goal is a lush hedge or a taller statement tree for open gardens.
- .
Foliage & Flowers
Both magnolias are known for their glossy green leaves and creamy white flowers that bloom in summer and early autumn.
However, Teddy Bear stands out with its rich bronze-backed leaves, giving it a warmer tone — especially striking against neutral walls or fences. Its flowers are slightly larger and more fragrant.
Little Gem produces more flowers, though they are smaller. It has a classic magnolia look — lush, neat, and timeless.
Verdict:
- Choose a Teddy Bear for colour contrast and big blooms.
- Choose Little Gem for more frequent flowering.
Maintenance and Care
Both Teddy Bear and Little Gem Magnolias are wonderfully easy to look after — perfect for gardeners who prefer low-fuss plants that still look impressive.
The Teddy Bear Magnolia grows slowly, so it naturally maintains its compact, rounded form with very little pruning. Just give it a good soak during dry spells and refresh the mulch once a year to keep the soil moist and healthy.
The Little Gem Magnolia, on the other hand, grows a bit more quickly and may need a light trim now and then to maintain its shape. It responds well to gentle pruning after flowering and appreciates a balanced fertiliser feed twice a year.
Verdict:
- Teddy Bear: Best for busy gardeners.
- Little Gem: Best for those who enjoy regular pruning and shaping.
Ideal Spots for Planting in Australia
Both thrive in full sun to part shade and well-draining soil. But they shine in different settings:
Location, Best Variety, Why It Works
Small Courtyards Teddy Bear Compact size & slow growth
Front Yards Teddy Bear Beautiful, rounded form
Privacy Hedges Little Gem Tall and dense growth
Large Backyards, Little Gem Spreads beautifully with space
Containers / Pots Teddy Bear Handles confined roots well.
Watering & Feeding Needs
Both trees prefer consistent moisture but not soggy soil. Overwatering can lead to root rot — a common issue in magnolias in Australia.
Feed with a slow-release fertiliser for acid-loving plants in early spring and mid-summer. Use organic mulch around the base to keep roots cool and moist.
For detailed care instructions, visit:
👉 Australian Department of Agriculture – Plant Care Guides.
Climate Adaptability Across Australia
Region Best Choice Reason, Teddy Bear Magnolia vs Little Gem.
Sydney / NSW Coast, Either Warm and humid suits both
Melbourne / VIC Teddy Bear Handles cooler climates better
Brisbane / QLD Little Gem Thrives in subtropical warmth
Perth / WA Teddy Bear Compact form suits smaller urban gardens
Adelaide / SA Either Similar performance in mild conditions
Both species tolerate light frost and hot summers, but Teddy Bear tends to handle varied climates a little better.
Landscaping & Decorating Ideas
If you love structure and symmetry, Teddy Bear Magnolias make stunning feature trees in modern and coastal gardens—plant one on either side of your entrance or driveway for a neat, formal look.
Little Gem Magnolias are excellent for creating privacy walls or natural fences. They also look fantastic lining large driveways or property borders.
Indoor or Patio Idea:
If you adore the magnolia look but can’t maintain real plants indoors, try high-quality artificial Teddy Bear Magnolia arrangements. They bring a lush, realistic touch to offices, lounges, or patios — and you can explore beautiful options at GardenGreen.au.
Pros and Cons Summary
Variety Pros Cons
Teddy Bear Magnolia Compact, easy to maintain, beautiful foliage contrast, great for pots. Slower growth, fewer flowers
Little Gem Magnolia: Fast-growing, dense hedge option, more flowers. Needs pruning; it can outgrow small areas.
🌸 Artificial Teddy Bear Magnolia – A Perfect Low-Maintenance Option
For busy Australians or renters, artificial Teddy Bear Magnolias are a brilliant way to enjoy the look without the upkeep. Modern faux versions look almost real — perfect for offices, shaded patios, or even event décor.
You can explore premium-quality artificial magnolias at:
👉 GardenGreen.au Artificial Collection
, and also browse real Teddy Bear Magnolia plants at
👉 Bunnings Australia.
FAQs – Teddy Bear Magnolia vs Little Gem (Australia 2025)
Which Magnolia grows faster in Australia?
The Little Gem grows faster and taller, making it a better choice for hedges or screening. Teddy Bear grows slower but stays compact and tidy.
Which one flowers more?
Little Gem produces more frequent but smaller flowers, while Teddy Bear gives fewer yet larger and more fragrant blooms.
Can I grow them in pots?
Yes, both do well in large pots, but Teddy Bear adapts better to containers thanks to its slower growth and smaller root system.
Which Magnolia Wins for Aussie Gardens?
Both Teddy Bear Magnolia and Little Gem Magnolia are stunning choices for Australian gardens — it simply depends on your space and style.
If you want a compact, tidy tree for small yards, courtyards, or pots, the Teddy Bear Magnolia is hard to beat. But if you’re after a taller, fuller magnolia for hedging or a bold feature tree, the Little Gem Magnolia will deliver lush, long-lasting beauty.
Whichever you choose, both thrive in Australia’s warm climate, need minimal care, and reward you with glossy leaves and elegant blooms year after year.
For those who prefer zero maintenance, you can even explore artificial Teddy Bear or Little Gem Magnolias available at GardenGreenAU — perfect for indoor or outdoor décor without the upkeep.
