Everything You Need to Know About the Teddy Bear Magnolia Growth Rate

The teddy bear magnolia, also known by its botanical name Magnolia grandiflora ‘Southern Charm’, is a popular evergreen tree prized for its compact size, lush foliage, and showy blooms. If you’re considering adding a teddy bear magnolia to your landscape, you probably want to know how fast it will grow Here’s a comprehensive look at the teddy bear magnolia’s growth rate and what factors influence its size

An Overview of Teddy Bear Magnolia Growth

The teddy bear magnolia is noted for having a moderate growth rate compared to other magnolia trees It reaches about 16 to 20 feet tall and 10 to 12 feet wide at maturity

On average, you can expect your teddy bear magnolia to grow around 12 to 18 inches per year when it’s young. The growth rate tends to slow down as the tree ages. After 10 years, your magnolia may max out at around 15 to 20 feet tall

So in the span of 5 to 10 years, your teddy bear magnolia can transform from a small sapling to a mature, flowering specimen tree. The moderately fast growth makes it a great choice if you want quick privacy or shade from a magnolia without an oversized towering tree.

Factors That Affect Teddy Bear Magnolia Growth

Several key factors influence the growth rate of a teddy bear magnolia:

• Age of the tree – Growth is most rapid on young trees. The rate slows down as the tree matures.

• Climate and location – Warm climates with long growing seasons encourage faster growth. Colder climates limit growth.

• Sun exposure – Full sun is ideal for maximum growth. Too much shade will result in sparse, lanky growth.

• Soil conditions – Rich, moist, well-draining soil provides ideal conditions for growth. Poor soils limit vigor.

• Pruning and maintenance – Regular pruning and proper care leads to healthy growth. Neglecting maintenance may retard growth.

• Genetics – Some individual trees are genetically predisposed to growing faster or slower.

Caring for Your Teddy Bear Magnolia

To encourage your teddy bear magnolia to grow at its fullest potential, provide optimal care:

• Plant in full sun to partial shade.

• Prepare the soil well with organic matter like compost. Magnolias thrive in nutrient-rich, acidic soil.

• Water young trees regularly to establish deep roots. Mature magnolias are quite drought tolerant.

• Apply a 2- to 3-inch layer of mulch around the tree to conserve moisture.

• Prune only to remove damaged growth and shape the canopy. Avoid heavy pruning.

• Fertilize in early spring with an acidic fertilizer formulated for magnolias.

Teddy Bear Magnolia Growth Rate vs. Other Magnolias

How does the teddy bear’s growth rate stack up against other types of magnolias? Here’s a quick comparison:

• Southern magnolia – Grows faster, up to 80 feet tall and wide at maturity.

• Little Gem magnolia – The dwarf version grows much slower, only reaching about 6 to 12 feet high.

• Saucer magnolia – Moderate growth rate, similar to the teddy bear magnolia. Matures around 20 to 30 feet tall.

• Star magnolia – Grows at a slower pace, reaching 15 to 20 feet high at maturity.

So while not the slowest or fastest growing magnolia, the teddy bear magnolia’s moderately quick growth makes it a great choice for many landscapes and gardens. With the right care and conditions, you’ll enjoy watching your teddy bear magnolia flourish!