Alphabetical Plant Listing

Magnolia grandiflora 'Little Gem' (Southern Magnolia)

Little Gem Magnolia Tree, Southern Magnolia 'Little Gem', Evergreen Magnolia 'Little Gem', Loblolly Magnolia 'Little Gem', Great Laurel Magnolia 'Little Gem', Big Laurel 'Little Gem', Bull Bay 'Little Gem'


Perfect for smaller gardens, Magnolia grandiflora 'Little Gem' (Southern Magnolia) is a dense and compact evergreen tree of narrowly columnar habit. Lightly scented, white flowers, 4 in. across (10 cm), appear at the tips of thick, tough stems in late spring to mid-summer. The evergreen foliage of smooth, leathery, oblong-elliptic leaves, 5 in. long (12 cm), is shiny dark green above and brown-felted underneath. Prized for its smaller size, attractive evergreen foliage, and fragrant flowers, Little Gem is a popular magnolia for small spaces.

  • Grows up to 15-20 ft. tall (450-600 cm) and 7-10 ft. wide (210-300 cm)
  • A full sun to part shade lover, this plant is easily grown in organically rich, moist, preferably neutral to acid, well-drained soils. Tolerant to sandy to heavy clay soils when established. Does not withstand extreme drought or wetness or pollution.
  • Perfect as a specimen plant. Great in lawns, as a small street tree, or in containers. Also may be grown as a screen or hedge.
  • Low maintenance, this beautiful tree is not subject to serious insect or disease issues. Keep an eye out for horse chestnut scale, capsid bug, coral spot, and honey fungus. Deer rarely bother Southern Magnolia.
  • No routine pruning is necessary. Remove diseased, damaged, congested, or crossing shoots. If pruning is desired, prune after blooming during the growing season because dormant magnolias do not easily heal.
  • Older leaves drop during late spring and summer. This can be a problem in well-manicured landscapes.
  • Propagate by semi-ripe cuttings from late summer to early autumn, grafting in winter, chip budding in summer or layering in early spring.
  • Magnolia grandiflora species is native to the southeastern United States.

Magnolia Tree: How to Grow and Care with Success

Want to learn how to grow and care for a magnolia tree like a pro? Follow these simple steps and enjoy the beauty of this striking treeRead More

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Requirements

Hardiness 7 – 9
Heat Zones 1 – 9
Climate Zones 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, H1, H2
Plant Type Trees
Plant Family Magnolia
Exposure Full Sun, Partial Sun
Season of Interest Spring (Early,Mid,Late)
Summer (Early,Mid,Late)
Fall
Winter
Height 15' – 20' (4.5m – 6m)
Spread 7' – 10' (210cm – 3m)
Water Needs Average
Maintenance Low
Soil Type Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil Drainage Moist but Well-Drained, Well-Drained
Characteristics Fragrant, Showy, Evergreen, Fruit & Berries
Attracts Birds
Garden Uses Hedges and Screens, Patio and Containers, Wall-Side Borders
Garden Styles City and Courtyard, Mediterranean Garden, Prairie and Meadow

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123rf, Cultivar413, Flickr

While every effort has been made to describe these plants accurately, please keep in mind that height, bloom time, and color may differ in various climates. The description of these plants has been written based on numerous outside resources.


Requirements

Hardiness 7 – 9
Heat Zones 1 – 9
Climate Zones 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, H1, H2
Plant Type Trees
Plant Family Magnolia
Exposure Full Sun, Partial Sun
Season of Interest Spring (Early,Mid,Late)
Summer (Early,Mid,Late)
Fall
Winter
Height 15' – 20' (4.5m – 6m)
Spread 7' – 10' (210cm – 3m)
Water Needs Average
Maintenance Low
Soil Type Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil Drainage Moist but Well-Drained, Well-Drained
Characteristics Fragrant, Showy, Evergreen, Fruit & Berries
Attracts Birds
Garden Uses Hedges and Screens, Patio and Containers, Wall-Side Borders
Garden Styles City and Courtyard, Mediterranean Garden, Prairie and Meadow

Guides with Magnolia

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