Magnolia Little Gem
Magnolia Little Gem 30cm

Magnolia Little Gem

Magnolia grandiflora Little Gem

Magnolia Little Gem is a compact cultivar of the southern magnolia, known for its smaller size and beautiful, fragrant white flowers. It’s an excellent choice for gardens with limited space or for those who want the classic appeal of a magnolia tree in a more manageable form. Here’s a closer look:

1. Appearance:

  • Magnolia grandiflora ‘Little Gem’ retains the iconic features of the southern magnolia, but in a more compact size.
  • It has glossy, dark green leaves with a rusty brown underside, giving it a year-round ornamental appeal.
  • The large, creamy white flowers bloom in late spring to summer and can reach up to 20 cm (8 inches) across. They are highly fragrant, with a sweet, lemony scent.
  • The tree also produces cone-shaped seed pods that mature in the fall, providing visual interest after flowering.

2. Size:

  • Little Gem is a smaller version of the southern magnolia, typically growing to about 4-7 meters (13-23 feet) tall and 3-5 meters (10-16 feet) wide.
  • It is more suited for smaller gardens, urban landscapes, or as a specimen tree in limited space, where a full-sized southern magnolia would be too large.

3. Growth Rate:

  • This cultivar grows at a moderate pace compared to other magnolias. It can grow between 30-60 cm (1-2 feet) per year under ideal conditions.
  • It may take several years to reach its mature size but will provide substantial growth and blooms within a few years of planting.

4. Flowers:

  • The fragrant, creamy white flowers are the highlight of Little Gem. They appear in late spring and can continue into the summer.
  • Each flower lasts about 1-2 days, but the tree often produces multiple blooms, creating a showy display.
  • The flowers are a great way to attract pollinators, such as bees and butterflies, to the garden.

5. Care:

  • Sunlight: Little Gem magnolias thrive in full sun to partial shade. For the best flowering, full sun is ideal.
  • Soil: It prefers well-drained, slightly acidic to neutral soil. It is not overly picky about soil types but does best in fertile, moist conditions.
  • Watering: Regular watering is important, especially during dry spells. However, it does not like wet feet, so good drainage is essential.
  • Pruning: Pruning is typically not required but can be done to maintain the desired shape or to remove any dead or damaged branches. If you need to prune, do so after flowering to avoid cutting off flower buds for the next season.

6. Uses:

  • Little Gem is perfect for small gardens, as an ornamental tree in landscapes, or even as a container plant for patios or balconies.
  • It can also be used as a specimen tree, in mixed shrub borders, or as a focal point due to its elegant appearance and fragrant flowers.
  • This cultivar can be grown in warmer climates and is ideal for areas where a full-sized magnolia would be too large.

7. Pests and Diseases:

  • Magnolias, including Little Gem, are generally hardy and pest-resistant but can sometimes be affected by issues like scale insects, aphids, and magnolia caterpillars.
  • The tree is also susceptible to certain fungal diseases, such as powdery mildew or leaf spot, particularly in humid environments.
  • Ensuring proper spacing for air circulation and good garden hygiene will help reduce the risk of disease.

8. Special Considerations:

  • While it is more compact than the typical southern magnolia, it still requires a fair amount of space to grow and mature, so it’s important to consider the eventual size when choosing a planting location.
  • This cultivar is evergreen, providing year-round interest with its glossy leaves, making it a great choice for adding structure to gardens in all seasons.

In Summary:

Magnolia grandiflora ‘Little Gem’ is a more compact, manageable version of the classic southern magnolia, offering the same beautiful white flowers and glossy foliage, but in a size better suited to smaller gardens. It’s ideal for creating a stunning focal point, adding fragrance to the garden, and providing year-round beauty with minimal maintenance.

$36.25 – $424.25 inc. GST

In stock

Height: 85 - 230cm
SKU: MaggraLG Categories: , , , , ,

Melbourne Metro deliveries cost $44.00.
Expect your delivery to arrive between 1 and 5 business days.

The Mornington Peninsula ** Mt Eliza to Portsea ** and Geelong deliveries cost $66.00.
Expect your delivery to arrive between 3 and 5 business days.

Outer Melbourne deliveries cost $132.00.
Expect your delivery to arrive between 3 and 7 business days.

Regional Victoria deliveries cost between $143.00 – $264.00.
Expect your delivery to arrive between 3 and 7 business days.

Call David Direct on 0427 047 857 to

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