Magnolia gradiflora 'Little Gem'
Little Gem Southern Magnolia

Magnolia gradiflora ′Little Gem′ - Overall habit

Family:

Magnoliaceae (Magnolia Family) 26

Genus:

Magnolia (Magnolia Cucumber Tree Tree, Cucumber) 23

Plant Type:

Tree 579

Hardiness:

USDA Zone 6 37

Deciduous / Evergreen:

Evergreen 249

Flowers:

White (Creamy white flowers, fragrant)

Foliage:

Green (Lustrous, glossy dark green leaves); Brown (Reddish brown underneath)

Fruit:

Red (Red seeds borne on follicles)

Ultimate Height:

15-20 feet

Ultimate Spread:

10 feet

Light Requirements:

Soil:

Prefers well-drained, slightly acidic soils

Range:

Cultivated origin

Diagnostic Characteristics:

Leaves are alternate, evergreen, obovate-oblong or semi-elliptic, 4" in length and about half the width, lustrous, green, glossy-topped (adaxial), reddish tomentose-bottomed (abaxial), thick leaves. Flowers are very showy, creamy-white, perfect, fragrant, and 6" in diameter, each petal thick, concave and broadly obovate, 4" to 6" in length.

Special Characteristics:

Flowering Characteristics 436

Patio Tree 129

Pollution Tolerant 217

Slow Growth Rate 269

Additional Information

Though the straight species of Magnolia gradiflora is not hardy in Indiana, 'Little Gem' can be hardy up to zone 6(7). If planted, place in an area that is protected from winter winds and extreme temperature drops, such as an enclosed courtyard. 'Little Gem' is a dwarf cultivar of the Southern Magnolia, ranging from 15' to 20' in height and 10' in width. Typically seen as more of a shrub from, rather than the iconic pyramidal form. Leaves and flowers are a bit smaller than the straight species as well.