Little Gem Magnolia 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.  Learn more about "Magnolia grandiflora".  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.  'Little Gem' is native to moist wooded areas in the southeastern United States from North Carolina to Florida and Texas. 

More information on Magnolia grandiflora.