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dwarf magnolia grandiflora

If you’re after a compact, evergreen tree with year-round appeal, the dwarf magnolia grandiflora is a perfect choice for your New Zealand garden. Known for its glossy green leaves, tidy growth habit, and beautiful, creamy-white flowers, this versatile plant provides sophisticated structure for smaller spaces, courtyard gardens, or even containers. With its manageable size and classic Magnolia charm, the dwarf magnolia grandiflora brings elegance without overpowering your landscape.

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Magnolia Teddy Bear (Magnolia grandiflora Teddy Bear)

Magnolia grandiflora Teddy Bear, commonly known as the Magnolia Teddy Bear Tree, is a variety of Southern Magnolia, and is an evergreen tree with spectacular flowering and foliage. It produces large and showy, white flowers through summer amidst the lush, dark green foliage. It grows densely with a conical shape to about 6 m tall and 3 m wide and can be contained with trimming. Magnolia Teddy Bear makes for a fantastic specimen tree, and is commonly included in a mixed planting, used to border an entrance, planted to soften a bland wall, or planted as a cluster.

Suited to regions: All regions
Plant type: Trees
Height: 6.00 m
Spread: 3.00 m
Flowering time: Summer
Garden uses: Containers, Hedging, Living areas, Parks, Pool areas, Screening, Specimen
Garden styles: Alpine, Architectural, Backyard, City & Courtyard, Formal, Frontyard, Japanese, Modern
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Magnolia Jade Emperor (Evergreen Magnolia Jade Emperor)

Magnolia grandiflora Jade Emperor, commonly known as Southern Magnolia or Evergreen Magnolia, is a small tree that produces masses of large and showy, white flowers through late spring and summer. The fragrant flowers are borne amidst the glossy, dark green leaves which serve as a lovely backdrop. It grows with a rounded habit to about 4 m tall and 3 m wide and responds well to trimming. Magnolia Jade Emperor makes for a lovely specimen and is commonly added to a mixed planting, planted around outdoor living areas, used as a backdrop for smaller plants, or grown as a hedge.

Suited to regions: Subtropical, Temperate
Plant type: Trees
Height: 4.00 m
Spread: 3.00 m
Flowering time: Spring, Summer
Garden uses: Hedging, Living areas, Parks, Screening, Specimen
Garden styles: Backyard, City & Courtyard, Formal, Frontyard, Japanese, Modern, White
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Magnolia Kay Parris (Magnolia grandiflora Kay Parris)

Magnolia grandiflora Kay Parris, commonly known as Southern Magnolia or Evergreen Magnolia, is a small tree that produces masses of large and showy...

From$343.89
Magnolia grandiflora 'Little Gem' white flower.

Magnolia grandiflora Little Gem

Magnolia grandiflora ‘Little Gem’ is a compact, evergreen tree prized for its glossy green leaves and large, fragrant white flowers. Growing to...

From$40.43
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Magnolia grandiflora Ferruginea

Magnolia grandiflora Ferruginea is an elegant evergreen magnolia tree known for its large, glossy green leaves with distinctive rusty-brown...

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Magnolia grandiflora Russet

Magnolia grandiflora Russet is a striking evergreen tree known for its large glossy leaves with distinctive russet-coloured undersides. This unique...

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magnolia-grandiflora-dd-blanchard-1

Magnolia DD Blanchard

Magnolia DD Blanchard is a compact deciduous magnolia tree known for its large, fragrant white flowers and attractive rounded habit. Ideal for...

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magnolia-campbellii-charles-raffill-2

Magnolia Charles Raffill (Magnolia campbellii Charles Raffill)

Magnolia campbellii Charles Raffill is a deciduous tree that bears masses of large and showy, pink and white flowers in spring. The lovely blooms are...

From$432.79
magnolia-soulangeana-heaven-scent-2

Magnolia Heaven Scent (Magnolia soulangeana Heaven Scent)

Magnolia soulangeana Heaven Scent is a deciduous tree that bears masses of large and showy, pink flowers through late winter and early spring. These...

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Exquisite Magnolia 'Genie' dark purple flowers.

Magnolia Genie

Magnolia 'Genie' is a compact, deciduous magnolia prized for its rich, burgundy-purple, tulip-shaped flowers, which bloom in early spring. This...

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Magnolia denudata Gere

Magnolia denudata Gere is a graceful deciduous tree known for its large, fragrant white flowers that bloom in early spring. This cultivar adds...

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magnolia-amethyst-flame-2

Magnolia Amethyst Flame (Amethyst Flame Magnolia Tree)

Magnolia Amethyst Flame is a smaller tree that bears masses of large and showy, bright red-purple flowers in late winter and early spring on the...

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A lovely Magnolia 'Lennei alba' specimen tree covered in white flowers.

Magnolia Lennei Alba

Magnolia 'Lennei Alba', commonly known as Saucer Magnolia, bears masses of large, showy, semi-double, fragrant, ivory-white flowers that are borne on...

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Magnolia Red As Red (Red As Red Magnolia)

Magnolia Red as Red bears masses of large and showy, dark red flowers through late winter and early spring. The flowers are borne on the naked stems...

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Magnolia JC Williams (Magnolia Tree JC Williams)

Magnolia JC Williams bears masses of large and showy, rose-purple flowers through late winter and early spring. These are borne on the naked stems...

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An exquisite Magnolia 'Iolanthe' two-tone pink flower.

Magnolia Iolanthe

Magnolia 'Iolanthe' is a stunning deciduous magnolia known for its large, goblet-shaped pink flowers with creamy interiors that bloom in early to...

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Magnolia 'Cleopatra' purple flowers.

Magnolia Cleopatra

Magnolia 'Cleopatra' is a compact, upright deciduous magnolia bred in New Zealand and admired for its large, goblet-shaped, cerise-purple flowers...

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magnolia-stellata-waterlily-5

Magnolia stellata Waterlily

Magnolia stellata Waterlily is a charming deciduous tree known for its unique double-petaled, star-shaped white flowers that bloom in early spring...

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A beautiful Magnolia 'Star Wars' tree with masses of pink flowers.

Magnolia Star Wars

Magnolia 'Star Wars' is a striking deciduous magnolia known for its large, star-shaped flowers in shades of deep pink with pale interiors. Blooming...

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Magnolia Margaret Helen (Magnolia Tree Margaret Helen)

Magnolia Margaret Helen is a deciduous tree that bears masses of large and showy, rose-pink flowers through late winter and early spring. These are...

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magnolia-strawberry-fields-1

Magnolia Strawberry Fields (Strawberry Fields Magnolia Tree)

Magnolia Strawberry Fields is a stunning deciduous tree that bears masses of large and showy, semi-double, deep red flowers through late winter and...

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A dark pink Magnolia 'Cameo' flower on a young tree before the foliage emerges.

Magnolia Cameo

Magnolia 'Cameo' is a stunning deciduous magnolia prized for its upright, tulip-shaped flowers, which appear in early to mid-spring. The blooms are...

From$348.61
A spectacular Magnolia 'Felix' tree with masses of bright pink flowers.

Magnolia Felix

Magnolia 'Felix' is a striking deciduous tree bred in New Zealand, known for its massive, rich pink flowers up to 30 cm wide that bloom in early...

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A stunning white Magnolia stellata flower.

Magnolia stellata

Magnolia stellata, commonly known as the Star Magnolia or Starry Magnolia, features dark pink flower buds that open in spring to reveal star-shaped...

From$299.92
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Magnolia Vulcan

Magnolia soulangeana Vulcan is a stunning deciduous tree that bears masses of large and showy, semi-double, rose-red flowers through late winter and...

From$299.92
magnolia-honey-tulip-1

Magnolia Honey Tulip

Magnolia Honey Tulip is a striking deciduous tree known for its unique yellow tulip-shaped flowers that bloom in late spring. This elegant magnolia...

From$432.79
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Magnolia liliiflora Nigra (Magnolia Tree Nigra)

Magnolia liliiflora Nigra, commonly known as Black Lily, is a stunning tree that bears masses of large and showy, purple flowers from late winter...

From$299.92

Magnolia denudata

Magnolia denudata, commonly known as the Lily Tree or Yulan Magnolia, is a deciduous tree admired for its large, fragrant, creamy white flowers that...

From$299.92
cyperus-papyrus-nana-3

Cyperus papyrus Nana (Dwarf Papyrus)

Cyperus papyrus Nana, the Dwarf Papyrus, is a perennial grass with bright green leaves and distinctive umbrella-like flower sprays in summer. Growing...

From$20.18
Kniphofia Dwarf Scarlet plant with red flowers.

Kniphofia 'Dwarf Scarlet' (Hot Poker Plant)

Kniphofia 'Dwarf Scarlet' is a compact perennial known for its vibrant red flower spikes that rise above neat grassy foliage. This eye catching plant...

From$20.18
Elegant Dietes grandiflora flowers.

Dietes grandiflora (Fairy Iris)

Dietes grandiflora, also known as Wild Iris or Fairy Iris, is a robust, clump-forming perennial prized for its large white flowers with yellow and...

From$15.53
A Pittosporum 'Midget' plant in a garden.

Pittosporum 'Midget' (Dwarf Pittosporum)

Pittosporum 'Midget' is a dwarf variety that features foliage made up of small, fresh green leaves. The foliage is complemented with small, purple...

From$40.43
Magnolia Teddy Bear (Magnolia grandiflora Teddy Bear)

Did you find what you are looking for?

You might be interested in exploring related Latin Names - Cyperus, Dietes, Kniphofia Magnolia and Pittosporum, or related Categories - Grasses, Perennials Evergreen Shrubs and Magnolia Trees.

Search dwarf magnolia grandiflora

Why Choose Dwarf Magnolia grandiflora?

The dwarf magnolia grandiflora, sometimes called the "Little Gem" magnolia, is prized for its densely shaped, bushy form and extended flowering season. This variety typically reaches 3–4 metres, making it ideal for urban gardens, borders, and feature plantings. The grand, lemon-scented blooms, which appear throughout spring and summer, attract pollinators while offering gorgeous cut flowers for your home.

Dense, evergreen foliage makes the dwarf magnolia grandiflora a reliable screening plant or informal hedge. The dark green, glossy surface and distinctive bronze underside give gardens visual interest all year. It’s also highly adaptable, performing well in full sun or part shade, and suits most well-drained soils, including both sandy and clay-rich types.

Popular Varieties of Dwarf Magnolia grandiflora

While the classic "Little Gem" is the best-known dwarf magnolia grandiflora, there are several other cultivars offering unique shapes and leaf tones, perfect for Kiwi gardens:

For Auckland to Christchurch and beyond, these varieties offer flexibility for garden designing and plant combinations.

How to Grow and Care for Dwarf Magnolia grandiflora

Dwarf magnolia grandiflora is a low-maintenance plant once established. Prepare the planting site with plenty of organic material, ensuring reasonable drainage. Water deeply during dry periods in the first two years, and mulch annually to retain moisture and suppress weeds. Light pruning after flowering will help your magnolia keep its compact, tidy shape.

For hedging, plant dwarf magnolia grandiflora at regular intervals—typically 1 to 1.5 metres apart—for an evergreen, flower-filled screen. Container-grown trees prefer a high-quality potting mix and regular feeding during spring and summer.

Discover the Right Magnolia for Your Space

Whether you choose Magnolia grandiflora Little Gem for a petite hedge or the dramatic blooms of Magnolia Jade Emperor (Evergreen Magnolia Jade Emperor), New Zealand gardeners are spoiled for choice. Explore our range, including Magnolia Teddy Bear (Magnolia grandiflora Teddy Bear) and Magnolia Kay Parris (Magnolia grandiflora Kay Parris), to find the perfect fit for your garden. With proper care, the dwarf magnolia grandiflora will reward you with lush foliage and beautiful blooms for many years to come.


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Whether you need assistance finding the plant you’re looking for or you simply want to know more about who we are and what we do, we invite you to get in touch with us today. A member of The Plant Company team will get back in touch as soon as possible.

Celebrate your favourites like Azalea Pink Ice and Lomandra 'Tanika', then branch out with Metrosideros 'Tahiti', Ilex Largo, and Nectarine Goldmine.
–The Plant Company

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