Species

Magnolia grandifloraSouthern Magnolia

2 other cultivars

treeN. America Native

Little Gem

Magnolia grandiflora 'Little Gem'

$66.95

The Story

Plant Bio

Magnolia grandiflora, native to the southeastern United States, is a large evergreen tree known for its thick, leathery leaves and large, fragrant flowers. The species naturally occurs in moist, rich soils of coastal plains and river valleys, developing a broad, spreading canopy over time.

'Little Gem' is a compact, slow-growing cultivar that reaches a fraction of the species' ultimate size, making it suitable for smaller gardens and hedging. It is distinguished by its narrow, columnar habit and dense foliage with a highly pronounced, rusty-brown velvety indumentum on the leaf undersides.

Uses & Benefits:

Features glossy green foliage with a striking bronze underside and large, fragrant, creamy-white flowers.

Serves as an excellent dense, narrow privacy screen or windbreak that tolerates coastal humidity.

Provides nectar and pollen for native bees and insects, while the seed pods offer forage for local birds.

SpeciesMagnolia grandifloraSouthern Magnolia

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Tree

Height

236 inches

Width

118 inches

Light

Full Sun, Partial Sun

Zones

7, 8, 9, 10

Water

Moderate

Humidity

High

Lifespan

Long-lived

Native To

North America (Cultivar origin North Carolina, USA)

Toxicity

Non-toxic

Bloom period

Spring – Summer

In flower about 4 months of the year

Marketplace

Where to Buy

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Planting

How to Grow

Select a site in full sun to partial shade with deep, well-draining soil enriched with organic matter.
Dig a hole twice as wide as the root ball but no deeper, ensuring the plant sits at the same level as it did in the pot.
Backfill the hole, firm the soil gently, and water thoroughly to settle the roots.
Apply a thick layer of organic mulch around the root zone, keeping it clear of the main trunk to prevent rot.

Pro Tip

Avoid deep cultivation or root disturbance around the base of the tree, as the shallow surface roots are highly sensitive to physical damage.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Water deeply and regularly during the first few summers to establish a deep root system.
Apply a balanced, slow-release fertiliser formulated for trees and shrubs in early spring.
Maintain a consistent mulch layer to retain soil moisture and protect the shallow root system.

Don't

Do not plant in poorly drained, heavy mud or areas prone to prolonged waterlogging.
Do not prune heavily into old, bare wood, as the plant responds poorly and may fail to reshoot.
Do not cultivate the soil deeply beneath the canopy to avoid damaging the sensitive surface roots.

Seasonal Care Calendar

Task	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Fertilize
Mulch
Pest Check
Prune

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

HedgeScreenSpecimen TreeFeature PlantCourtyard Tree

Companion Plants

Gardenia jasminoides Trachelospermum jasminoides Liriope muscari Camellia sasanqua

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Little Gem questions

What zones can Little Gem grow in?

Little Gem is hardy in USDA Zones 7–10. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.

When does Little Gem bloom?

Little Gem typically blooms in spring through summer. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.

Does Little Gem need full sun?

Little Gem does best in full sun to part shade. In hot climates, afternoon shade keeps blooms fresher longer.

Is Little Gem drought tolerant?

Yes — once established (usually after the first full season), Little Gem handles dry spells with minimal watering. Water deeply its first year to build the root system that makes that possible.