Plant Database

Other Names:  Southern Magnolia

Description:

A wonderful fast growing magnolia which features large white, fragrant flowers in spring on this compact tree; makes an ideal front yard accent tree, oval shape great for screening and also suitable for espalier

Ornamental Features

Little Gem Magnolia is blanketed in stunning fragrant white cup-shaped flowers held atop the branches from mid spring to early 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 an 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 only be pruned after flowering to avoid removing any of the current season's flowers. Deer don't particularly care for this plant and will usually 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

Planting & Growing

Little Gem Magnolia will grow to be about 30 feet tall at maturity, with a spread of 15 feet. It has a low canopy with a typical clearance of 3 feet from the ground, and should not be planted underneath power lines. It grows at a medium rate, and under ideal conditions can be expected to live for 70 years or more.

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 is not particular as to soil type, but has a definite preference for acidic soils. It is quite intolerant of urban pollution, therefore inner city or urban streetside plantings are best avoided, and will benefit from being planted in a relatively sheltered location. Consider applying a thick mulch around the root zone in winter to protect it in exposed locations or colder microclimates. This is a selection of a native North American species.