Magnolia grandiflora '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.  Leaf litter in both spring and fall can be high maintenance.  

More information on Magnolia grandiflora.