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Magnolia grandiflora (Magnolia, Little Gem)

Magnolia, Little Gem

Magnolia grandiflora 'Little Gem'

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When someone mentions a southern landscape, the Magnolia is one of the first trees that come to mind. Native to east Texas, it appreciates well drained acidic soils, but is somewhat drought tolerant once established if grown where it can develop a deep and wide root system; in alkaline areas, regular fertilization is required to keep a healthy look.

Magnolia normally forms a single trunk straight up, with multiple branches sculpting a broad pyramidal form. The ‘Little Gem’ leaves are up to six inches long glossy dark green on top, with pubescent rusty color underneath. White blooms up to eight inches wide in width have a somewhat pleasurable fragrance, and appear predominantly in the spring and sporadically throughout the summer. Yellow to brown cone-like fruits form afterwards, drying out in the fall and dropping bright red seeds.

‘Little Gem’ Magnolia requires a moderate area to grow as it can get up to an average of 40 feet high and 20 feet wide. ‘Little Gem’ does stay smaller than the Southern Magnolia, so understory planting is viable as it matures.  


Flower Color:

White

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Height

20-25 Feet

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Spread

10-15 Feet


USDA Hardiness Zone 6a

Characteristics & Attributes

Deer Tolerance
• Medium
Exposure
• Full Sun
Habit
• Evergreen
Water Needs
• Medium