Magnolias are a favourite among Australian gardeners, offering glossy evergreen foliage, fragrant white blooms, and year-round visual appeal. But with several varieties available, which one is right for your space? Here’s a complete comparison of Teddy Bear, Kay Parris, Little Gem, and Sweet ‘n’ Neat, designed to help you pick the perfect Magnolia for your Queensland garden.
Magnolia ‘Teddy Bear’ – Compact & Dense
- Height & Width: 3–4m tall, 2–3m wide
- Growth Habit: Naturally compact with a lush, conical shape
- Leaf Appearance: Thick, glossy green leaves with warm bronze undersides
- Flower Size: Large, creamy-white, fragrant blooms
- Best For: Privacy hedging, small gardens, feature trees
Why Choose It?
If you’re looking for a dense, compact Magnolia for screening or hedging, ‘Teddy Bear’ is a top contender. It maintains a tidy shape and thrives in full sun, making it perfect for Queensland conditions
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Magnolia ‘Kay Parris’ – Fast-Growing & Hardy
- Height & Width: 3.5–4m tall, 2m wide
- Growth Habit: Upright with a slightly open form
- Leaf Appearance: Glossy green with wavy edges and deep copper undersides
- Flower Size: Large, highly fragrant white flowers
- Best For: Quick-growing feature trees, hedging
Why Choose It?
‘Kay Parris’ is a fast-growing and resilient Magnolia, ideal for those looking to establish a garden quickly. It thrives in Queensland’s humid conditions and is slightly more tolerant to coastal environments
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Magnolia ‘Little Gem’ – Versatile & Classic
- Height & Width: 4–6m tall, 2–3m wide
- Growth Habit: Upright with a slightly columnar form
- Leaf Appearance: Narrow, glossy green leaves with bronze undersides
- Flower Size: Medium-sized white blooms, longer flowering period
- Best For: Larger gardens, feature trees, formal landscaping
Why Choose It?
‘Little Gem’ is a popular choice across Australia because of its extended flowering season and elegant form. If you need a taller Magnolia that’s still manageable for home gardens, this variety is a great pick
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Magnolia ‘Sweet ‘n’ Neat’ – Small & Elegant
- Height & Width: 3m tall, 2m wide
- Growth Habit: Compact and rounded
- Leaf Appearance: Dark green with copper-toned undersides
- Flower Size: Large, creamy-white blooms
- Best For: Small courtyards, decorative hedging
Why Choose It?
‘Sweet ‘n’ Neat’ is ideal for small spaces, offering a compact, structured look. Its glossy foliage provides a lush appearance without taking up too much room
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Which Magnolia is Best for Queensland Gardens?
If you need a dense hedge, go for ‘Teddy Bear.’ For fast growth, ‘Kay Parris’ thrives in humid conditions. For classic elegance, ‘Little Gem’ is a reliable choice, while ‘Sweet ‘n’ Neat’ is perfect for compact areas.
Looking for the perfect Magnolia for your garden? Browse our curated collection at Kingdom Horticulture, featuring varieties suited for Queensland’s climate!