Magnolia grandiflora 'Little Gem'

‘Little Gem’ is a much smaller (dwarf) and slower-growing cultivar of the beautiful Southern magnolia of the magnolia family (Magnoliaceae). 

'Little Gem' typically grows as a compact, upright, multi-stemmed shrub or small tree to 20 feet tall over the first 20 years. It grows well in full sun to partial shade and is reliable in zones 7 through 9. 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). While considered a broadleaf evergreen, it may become deciduous in harsh winters and is intolerant of many urban pollutants.  

'Little Gem' has fragrant flowers up to 4 inches in diameter. Leaves are glossy green above and bronze-brown on the underside. Flowers give way to spherical cone-like fruiting clusters (to 3 to 5 inches long) that mature in late summer to early fall, releasing individual rose-red coated seeds suspended on slender threads at maturity. Leaf litter in both spring and fall can be high maintenance.  

As a small cultivar of a classic southern tree, 'Little Gem' can effectively be used as a flowering evergreen in lawns, near decks or patios or as a small tree in selected urban settings.

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

More information on Magnolia grandiflora.