Magnolia Little Gem

‘Little Gem’ is a much smaller (dwarf) and slower-growing cultivar of the Southern magnolia or Large tree magnolia (Magnolia grandiflora) that typically grows as a compact, upright, multi-stemmed shrub or small tree to 20’ tall over the first 20 years. Leaves are glossy green above and bronze-brown on the underside.  lowers give way to spherical cone-like fruiting clusters (to 3-5” long) that mature in late summer to early fall, releasing individual rose-red coated seeds suspended on slender threads at maturity. 

This small tree is moderately salt tolerant, best grown in moist, organically rich, well-drained loams, and is generally intolerant of soil extremes (dry or wet).  Intolerant of many urban pollutants.  

Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems:  Scale is an occasional pest. 

Full sun (6 or more hours of direct sunlight a day) Partial Shade (Direct sunlight only part of the day, 2-6 hours)

Height: 15 ft. in. - 20 ft. in. Width: 8 ft. in. - 10 ft. in.