Other Names:  Southern Magnolia

Description:

A compact cultivar of Southern magnolia with large white, fragrant flowers from spring through summer; works even in small yards; oval shape great for screening and also suitable for espalier; blooms at a young age

Ornamental Features

Little Gem Magnolia is blanketed in stunning fragrant white cup-shaped flowers held atop the branches from early spring to late summer. It has dark green evergreen foliage. The large pointy leaves remain dark green throughout the winter. The fruits are showy pink pods displayed from early to late fall.

Landscape Attributes

Little Gem Magnolia is a dense evergreen tree with a distinctive and refined pyramidal form. Its relatively coarse texture can be used to stand it apart from other landscape plants with finer foliage.

This is a relatively low maintenance tree, and should not require much pruning, except when necessary, such as to remove dieback. It is a good choice for attracting birds to your yard, but is not particularly attractive to deer who tend to leave it alone in favor of tastier treats. It has no significant negative characteristics.

Little Gem Magnolia is recommended for the following landscape applications;

• Accent
• Mass Planting
• Hedges/Screening

Planting & Growing

Little Gem Magnolia will grow to be about 30 feet tall at maturity, with a spread of 12 feet. It has a low canopy with a typical clearance of 2 feet from the ground, and should not be planted underneath power lines. It grows at a slow rate, and under ideal conditions can be expected to live to a ripe old age of 100 years or more; think of this as a heritage tree for future generations!

This tree does best in full sun to partial shade. It requires an evenly moist well-drained soil for optimal growth, but will die in standing water. It may require supplemental watering during periods of drought or extended heat. It is not particular as to soil type, but has a definite preference for acidic soils, and is able to handle environmental salt. It is highly tolerant of urban pollution and will even thrive in inner city environments, and will benefit from being planted in a relatively sheltered location. Consider applying a thick mulch around the root zone in both summer and winter to conserve soil moisture and protect it in exposed locations or colder microclimates. This is a selection of a native North American species.