Few trees earn their place in Australian gardens like the evergreen magnolia. Glossy leaves with bronze felted undersides, huge lemon scented white flowers, and a naturally tidy shape make them the go to feature tree for everything from formal driveways to courtyard pots.
This guide covers the popular grandiflora varieties, plus planting, feeding and pruning for strong, fast establishment.
Quick facts
| Botanical name | Magnolia grandiflora varieties and Michelia species |
| Type | Evergreen flowering tree or large shrub |
| Height | From 3m compact forms to 10m and beyond |
| Position | Full sun to light shade |
| Soil | Deep, moist, well drained, slightly acidic |
| Flowers | Large cream white blooms, spring through autumn |
| Climate | Suits most Australian regions, tolerates frost once established |
Choosing the right magnolia
For feature trees
Teddy Bear Magnolia is the most popular compact evergreen magnolia in Australia, forming a dense pyramid to around 4m with distinctive furry bronze leaf backs. Little Gem is slightly looser and taller, an outstanding all rounder from $45.95 that flowers young and often.
For hedging and screens
Both Teddy Bear and Little Gem clip into superb formal screens. For a taller, glossier wall of green, Coolwyn Gloss is the premium choice.
For small spaces and pots
Sweet N Neat stays around 3m and suits large pots. Fairy White is a bushy hybrid smothered in blooms from autumn to spring. For a fragrant informal hedge, Port Wine Magnolia offers grape scented flowers from just $14.95.
Planting
When: Autumn and spring are ideal. Avoid planting into hot summer winds.
Soil: Dig through plenty of compost. Magnolias sulk in shallow alkaline soil, so improve sandy or clay sites before planting. Good drainage is not negotiable.
Spacing: Allow 1m to 1.5m between plants for a hedge of Teddy Bear or Little Gem, and at least 3m from structures for larger forms.
Establishment: Water deeply twice a week for the first summer and mulch generously, keeping mulch off the trunk.
Ongoing care
Watering: Consistent moisture produces faster growth and bigger flowers. Established trees handle dry spells but repay a deep weekly soak in summer.
Feeding: Feed in early spring and late summer with a complete fertiliser for flowering trees. Yellowing leaves with green veins usually signals iron deficiency in alkaline soil, corrected with iron chelate.
Pruning: Magnolias need little pruning. Shape hedges after the main spring flush. Remove lower limbs early if you want a clear trunk, as large cuts heal slowly.
Common problems
Leaf drop after planting: Normal transplant response. Keep watering consistently and new growth follows.
Black leaves: Sooty mould from scale insects. Treat scale with horticultural oil.
Slow growth: Almost always drainage or compaction. Magnolias in well prepared soil can put on 60cm a year.
Frequently asked questions
How fast do Little Gem magnolias grow?
Around 30 to 60cm per year with regular water and feeding, reaching hedge height within three to four years.
Are magnolia roots invasive?
No. Grandiflora varieties have relatively compact, non invasive root systems, which is why they are trusted near pools, paths and driveways.
Can magnolias grow in pots?
Yes. Teddy Bear and Sweet N Neat thrive in large containers with premium potting mix and regular feeding.
Why is my magnolia not flowering?
Usually too much shade or excess nitrogen. Move to a sunnier spot and switch to a flowering formula fertiliser.
Ready to plant?
Browse our full range of flowering trees and feature trees, check our pot and bag size guide, and order with confidence under our 30 day guarantee. Australia wide delivery details are on our delivery page.