All plant guides

Teddy Bear(R) Southern Magnolia PP#13049 (Magnolia grandiflora teddy bear(r) pp#13049) — reference photo

Trees · Magnolias

Teddy Bear(R) Southern Magnolia PP#13049

Magnolia grandiflora teddy bear(r) pp#13049

In USDA zones 7b–8a around Raleigh, Durham, and Cary, Teddy Bear(R) Southern Magnolia PP#13049 is a tree used in Triangle yards when mature size, sun, and drainage fit the bed. Piedmont clay rewards a wide planting hole, a slightly high crown, and steady first-season water. Give it the open sky it wants; west-facing walls in July still cook tender foliage. Seasonal flowers are usually why it earns a street-facing spot. Fall planting is the usual window here; water through the first summer no matter the calendar.

Wholesale plant reference

Add to plant request

Choose a container size to add this plant to your request. We confirm pricing and live stock before invoicing.

Key facts for the Triangle

Botanical name
Magnolia grandiflora teddy bear(r) pp#13049
Common name
Teddy Bear(R) Southern Magnolia PP#13049
Plant type
Trees
Group
Magnolias
Hardiness here
USDA 7b–8a (Raleigh–Durham Triangle)
Light
Part sun / part shade
Water
Deep, consistent water while establishing
Soil
Well-drained; prefers acidic soil
Leaf habit
Evergreen
Best planting window
Fall (October–November) in the Piedmont; spring after frost as backup

Overview

Magnolia grandiflora, commonly known as the southern magnolia or bull bay, is a tree of the family Magnoliaceae native to the Southeastern United States, from Virginia to central Florida, and west to East Texas.

It is a reliable choice for seasonal flower display in the Triangle. Between the clay soil and humid summers, this tree stands out for its showy flowers and overall landscape durability.

At a glance

Sun

  • Full sun
  • Part sun / part shade

Water & soil

  • Well-drained soil
  • Acidic soil

Flowers & fragrance

  • Showy flowers
  • Fragrant

Foliage & season

  • Notable foliage
  • Evergreen

Best landscape uses

Best landscape uses

  • seasonal flower display
  • shade, structure, or canopy interest

Growing & care

Practical notes for establishment and seasonal care in the Triangle—adjust for local soil tests and microclimate.

Light

Full sun to Part sun / part shade

Watering Procedure

Water at the base until the root zone is saturated (usually 45-60 seconds for new plants). Check the top inch of soil; if dry, it's time to water again.

Planting & Soil

Thrives in well-drained soil, acidic soil. Dig your hole twice as wide as the root ball but no deeper. Mix 30% compost with your native clay backfill to open up the soil—this helps the roots breathe and prevents water from pooling. Planting 'slightly high' also ensures the roots stay healthy.

Fertilization

Use a fertilizer designed for acid-loving plants in spring. In the Raleigh area, a light application of compost can also help buffer our native soil pH.

Pruning / upkeep

Prune shortly after the flowers fade. This ensures you aren't cutting off the buds for next year's bloom cycle.

Common questions

Is Teddy Bear(R) Southern Magnolia PP#13049 a good plant for Raleigh and the Triangle?

Yes—when the site matches its light and drainage needs. Teddy Bear(R) Southern Magnolia PP#13049 is used in Raleigh, Durham, and Cary landscapes in USDA zones 7b–8a. Confirm mature width, overhead wires, and how wet the Piedmont clay stays after storms before you plant.

When should I plant Teddy Bear(R) Southern Magnolia PP#13049 in North Carolina?

Fall (October–November) is the safest window for Teddy Bear(R) Southern Magnolia PP#13049 in the Piedmont: soil is still warm, air is cooler, and roots can grow before summer. Spring after the last frost works if you can water deeply through the first hot season.

Will Teddy Bear(R) Southern Magnolia PP#13049 grow in Piedmont clay?

It can, with careful planting: wide hole, crown slightly above grade, and no water sitting on the root flare. Heavy, poorly drained clay is the usual failure mode—not summer heat alone.

Does Teddy Bear(R) Southern Magnolia PP#13049 lose its leaves in winter?

No. Teddy Bear(R) Southern Magnolia PP#13049 is evergreen and keeps foliage year-round, which is why it is used for winter structure and screening in Triangle yards.

How much sun does Teddy Bear(R) Southern Magnolia PP#13049 need?

It performs best in full sun—about 6 or more hours of direct light. Afternoon shade can help in reflected-heat courtyards, but too little sun usually means weaker flowering or open growth.

Reference context includes Wikipedia (“Magnolia grandiflora”), licensed under CC BY-SA. Reference image source: Magnolia grandiflora.