Common Name: Little Gem Dwarf Southern Magnolia
Latin Name: Magnolia grandiflora ‘Little Gem’
Brand: —
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Mature Height: 20–25 ft
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Mature Width: 10–15 ft
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Sun Exposure: Full sun (tolerates light afternoon shade in hot climates)
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Cold Hardiness Zone: USDA Zones 7–9
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Habit: Compact, narrowly pyramidal; dense branching
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Foliage: Glossy deep green leaves with rich, rusty-brown undersides (evergreen)
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Flower: Large, creamy white, highly fragrant blooms late spring through summer
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Soil pH: Prefers acidic soils, approx. pH 5.0–6.5
Description:
‘Little Gem’ delivers the classic Southern magnolia look in a space-savvy package. Its tight, columnar form, year-round glossy foliage with velvety brown undersides, and a long season of lemony-fragrant, dinner-plate blooms make it a standout for small gardens, courtyards, and narrow side yards. Use it as a statement tree, a refined evergreen screen, or even train it flat as a beautiful espalier.
Care Tips: Plant in deep, nutrient-rich, well-drained, acidic soil; mulch to conserve moisture and keep roots cool. Water regularly the first 1–2 seasons; once established, water deeply during dry spells. Feed in early spring with an acid-forming fertilizer. Prune only as needed right after bloom to maintain shape—avoid heavy summer/fall pruning. Protect from prolonged waterlogging or reflected heat in tight urban sites.
Landscape Uses:
Specimen tree • Narrow privacy screen • Foundation/backdrop (with room) • Courtyard/entry focal point • Espalier against walls or fences • Coastal and urban landscapes
