Overview
Magnolia grandiflora 'Little Gem' is a bushy, spreading branched, columnar upright tree in the genus Magnolia, part of the Magnoliaceae family, with deciduous foliage. It typically grows around 10.0 m tall. Magnolia grandiflora 'Little Gem' grows best in full sun, and tolerates most soils and acid and neutral pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H6. Suggested uses include architectural, cottage and informal garden, city and courtyard gardens and wall side borders.
About
Magnolia grandiflora, commonly known as the southern magnolia or bull bay, is a tree of the family Magnoliaceae native to the Southeastern United States coastal plain, from Virginia to central Florida, and west to East Texas. Reaching 27.5 m (90 ft) in height, it is a large, striking evergreen tree, with large, dark-green leaves up to 20 cm long and 12 cm wide, and large, white, fragrant flowers up to 30 cm (12 in) in diameter.
Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Magnolia grandiflora
About the genus
Magnolia is a large genus of about 210 to 340 flowering plant species in the subfamily Magnolioideae of the family Magnoliaceae. The natural range of Magnolia species is disjunct, with a main center in east, south and southeast Asia and a secondary center in South America, Central America, the West Indies, and some species in eastern North America.
Wikipedia contributors, "Magnolia", CC BY-SA 4.0 — Magnolia
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Magnolia
- Sunlight
- Full sun
- Soil type
- Sandy, Loamy, Clay
- Soil pH
- Acid, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Moist but well-drained
- Aspect
- South-facing, West-facing, East-facing
- Exposure
- Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H6
Plant details
Magnolia grandiflora 'Little Gem' size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Tree
- Habit
- Bushy, Spreading branched, Columnar upright
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Height
- 10.0 m
- Suggested uses
- Architectural, Cottage and informal garden, City and courtyard gardens, Wall side borders
- Fragrance
- Fragrant
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Magnolia grandiflora 'Little Gem'
- Cultivation
- Prefers full sun to partial shade; requires well-drained, acidic to neutral soil; drought tolerant once established; benefits from mulching to retain moisture and protect roots.
- Pruning
- Prune in late winter or early spring to maintain shape and remove dead or damaged branches; minimal pruning required due to naturally compact growth habit.
- Propagation
- Softwood cuttings, Semi-ripe cuttings, Semi-hardwood cuttings, Seed
- Pest resistance
- Scale insects, Horse chestnut scale, Capsid bug
- Disease resistance
- Coral spot, Phytophthora, Grey moulds, Honey fungus, Virus, Fungal leaf spot
Frequently asked questions
How do I grow Magnolia grandiflora 'Little Gem'?
Prefers full sun to partial shade; requires well-drained, acidic to neutral soil; drought tolerant once established; benefits from mulching to retain moisture and protect roots.
Where is the best place to plant Magnolia grandiflora 'Little Gem'?
Magnolia grandiflora 'Little Gem' prefers full sun. It suits sheltered positions.
What soil does Magnolia grandiflora 'Little Gem' need?
Magnolia grandiflora 'Little Gem' is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including sandy, loamy and clay. It prefers acid and neutral soil. Aim for soil that stays moist but well-drained.
How do I prune Magnolia grandiflora 'Little Gem'?
Prune in late winter or early spring to maintain shape and remove dead or damaged branches; minimal pruning required due to naturally compact growth habit.
How big does Magnolia grandiflora 'Little Gem' grow?
Magnolia grandiflora 'Little Gem' reaches a height of 10.0 m.
Is Magnolia grandiflora 'Little Gem' hardy in the UK?
Magnolia grandiflora 'Little Gem' has an RHS hardiness rating of H6, meaning it is very hardy, tolerating -20 to -15°C across most of the UK.
How do I propagate Magnolia grandiflora 'Little Gem'?
Softwood cuttings, Semi-ripe cuttings, Semi-hardwood cuttings, Seed.
More in the Magnolia genus
- Magnolia Watermelon ('Mgwat2011b'PBR)
- Magnolia campbellii 'Ann Jenkins'Campbell's Magnolia
- Magnolia macrophylla 'Sara Gladney'Bigleaf Magnolia
