Magnolia grandiflora '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 569

Growth Forms:

Conical 58

Hardiness:

USDA Zone 6 39

Deciduous / Evergreen:

Evergreen 262

Flower Notes:

White (Creamy white flowers, fragrant)

Foliage Notes:

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

Fruit Notes:

Red (Red seeds borne on follicles)

Ultimate Height:

15-20 feet

Ultimate Spread:

10 feet

Light Requirements:

Soil Notes:

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 285

Patio Tree 129

Pollution Tolerant 217

Slow Growth Rate 272

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.