Cultivate a stunning Teddy Bear Magnolia by mastering its growth stages with this essential guide!
The teddy bear magnolia (Magnolia grandiflora ‘Southern Charm’) is a beautiful ornamental tree prized for its showy, fragrant white flowers and lush green foliage. As a relatively slow-growing tree, the teddy bear magnolia’s growth rate is an important factor to consider when planning your garden or landscape design. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at what to expect from this magnolia’s growth pattern.
A Brief Overview of the Teddy Bear Magnolia
Before diving into the specifics of the teddy bear magnolia’s growth rate, it’s helpful to understand some background on this variety. The teddy bear magnolia is a cultivar of the popular southern magnolia species. It’s an evergreen tree in warmer climates, while in cooler zones it may shed its leaves in winter.
Some key traits that set the teddy bear magnolia apart:
- Compact, dense growth reaching 20-25 feet tall and 12-15 feet wide at maturity
- Abundant, fragrant 8-12 inch white blooms from mid to late spring
- Lustrous dark green leaves with fuzzy undersides
- Greater cold hardiness than the southern magnolia species
This ornamental magnolia thrives in zones 7-9 and does well in full sun to partial shade. It prefers acidic, well-draining soil and benefits from supplemental water during dry periods.
Factors Influencing the Teddy Bear Magnolia’s Growth Rate
The teddy bear magnolia is considered a relatively slow-growing tree. There are several factors that affect the speed and extent of its growth:
-
Age of the tree – Growth is most rapid on younger trees up to around 10 years old. The rate gradually slows as the tree matures.
-
Climate and growing conditions – Warmer climates with longer growing seasons promote faster growth. Cooler regions limit growth.
-
Soil quality – Rich, loamy acidic soil enables the best growth performance. Poor soil stunts development.
-
Sun exposure – Full sun is ideal for the fastest growth. Too much shade limits the growth rate.
-
Pruning and damage – Pruning typically slows growth somewhat. Damage can stunt or distort growth.
-
Water and nutrients – Adequate water and fertilization encourages growth up to the tree’s genetic potential.
What to Expect from the Teddy Bear Magnolia’s Growth Rate
Taking the above factors into account, a newly planted teddy bear magnolia can achieve the following growth rates under ideal conditions:
-
Years 1-2 – Around 1-2 feet of new growth per year. Focus is on establishing roots.
-
Years 3-10 – Growth rate peaks at 1-2 feet per year Most rapid vertical growth occurs.
-
Years 10-20 – Slows to 0.5-1 foot of new growth annually. The tree starts filling out.
-
Years 20+ – Drops to less than 12 inches of growth per year as it nears maturity.
You can expect a happy, healthy teddy bear magnolia to reach its mature size of 20-25 feet tall and 12-15 feet wide over a period of 20 to 25 years when grown in a suitable climate.
It’s important to note that growth rate can fluctuate year to year based on that season’s conditions. But over the long run, this range is typical.
Caring for Your Teddy Bear Magnolia to Maximize Growth
To help your teddy bear magnolia achieve its best possible growth rate, keep these care tips in mind:
-
Select a site with full sun to partial shade and well-draining, acidic soil.
-
Water regularly when first planted, then taper off as the tree establishes.
-
Apply a 2-4 inch layer of mulch around the tree to retain moisture and soil nutrition.
-
Fertilize in early spring with a balanced fertilizer to nourish new growth.
-
Prune judiciously in late winter to shape and stimulate new growth.
-
Monitor for pests like scale insects and treat promptly if found.
With the proper growing conditions and care, you can expect your magnolia to reach its mature size within a couple decades, bringing you years of beauty and enjoyment. Pay attention to its growth patterns and adapt your care as needed to keep it thriving season after season.
Characteristics of Seedlings
As the Teddy Bear Magnolia transitions from germination, the seedlings begin to emerge. Youll notice small, tender leaves sprouting, typically reaching heights of just 1 to 2 inches.
These initial leaves are a vibrant, glossy dark green, signaling healthy growth. This early stage is crucial as it sets the foundation for the plants future development.
☀️ Environmental Factors Influencing Flowering
Optimal conditions for flowering include adequate sunlight and moisture. Ensuring the tree is well-cared for during this stage can enhance flower production and overall health.
As the flowering stage wraps up, the tree transitions into seed production, marking another exciting phase in its lifecycle.
Magnolia Little Gem vs Teddy Bear: What’s the Difference?
FAQ
How quickly does teddy bear magnolia grow?
Magnolia Little Gem has a moderate growth rate of around 30cm – 75cm per year, while Teddy Bear Magnolia has a slower growth rate of around 15cm – 50cm per year.
Which is better, a teddy bear or a little gem magnolia?
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.
How big will a teddy bear magnolia get?
Product Description. The Teddy Bear Magnolia is a smaller species of the grandiflora set, these trees will reach 15-20′ tall when mature but are more narrow in width only reaching about 6′ wide. These are easily kept smaller for tighter spaces and can be used as hedge for privacy and for shade.
Does magnolia Teddy Bear have invasive roots?
The roots of a Teddy Bear magnolia tree are not necessarily invasive, but they do grow horizontally rather than vertically. This can potentially cause some problems if the tree is located too close to a building. The roots are also very sensitive and so you will need to be careful whenever you are digging in the soil.