Quick Reference
- Little Gem (6–10m) suits tall hedges, privacy screens, and boundary planting where height matters more than footprint.
- Teddy Bear (3–6m) is the compact, dense option — better for pots, patios, and small gardens.
- Both are cultivars of Magnolia grandiflora, evergreen, and produce fragrant white blooms.
- If neither magnolia fits your space or climate, the table below includes 16 other evergreen options across similar height/use bands.
- Use the search box or dropdowns below to filter by category, growth rate, or use case.
| Name | Category | Height (m) | Width / Form | Growth Rate | Light | Primary Use | Pot-Friendly | Notes |
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Troubleshooting & FAQ
Why isn't my magnolia flowering well?
Poor flowering is usually tied to insufficient light or general stress (drought, transplant shock, nutrient deficiency). Both Little Gem and Teddy Bear flower best in full sun to light partial shade.
My magnolia's leaves are yellowing — what's wrong?
Yellowing is most often overwatering/poor drainage or a nutrient deficiency. Check that soil drains well before adjusting feeding.
Growth seems slower than expected — why?
Slow growth typically traces back to poor soil, inadequate sunlight, or inconsistent watering. Teddy Bear is naturally slower-growing than Little Gem even under ideal conditions, so compare against the right baseline.
Which entries in this table are true magnolias vs. alternatives?
Rows tagged "Magnolia Cultivar" or "Magnolia Species" are Magnolia grandiflora-family plants. Rows tagged "Evergreen Hedge Shrub" or "Screening Tree" are non-magnolia alternatives included for comparison when a magnolia doesn't fit the space, climate, or budget.
Can any of these grow in containers long-term?
Check the "Pot-Friendly" column. Compact, slow-to-moderate growers with contained root systems (e.g., Teddy Bear, Kay Parris, Waxleaf Privet) tend to do better long-term in pots than fast, large-rooted growers.