A compact, narrow magnolia with glossy dark leaves backed in rich rust felt and large, lemon-scented creamy-white flowers borne over a long season. A versatile screening and feature shrub-tree.
At a glance
- Plant type: Shrub
- Mature size: 4 m H × 2.5 m W
- Aspect: full sun and part shade or morning sun
- Water: regular, moderate watering
- Frost: hardy
- Maintenance: low maintenance
- Origin: Exotic
About Little Gem Magnolia
Magnolia grandiflora 'Little Gem' is a moderate-growing shrub in the Magnoliaceae family. It reaches around 4 m tall and 2.5 m wide at maturity, with evergreen foliage. White flowers appear for much of the year.
Where to grow Little Gem Magnolia
Little Gem Magnolia suits warm-temperate, cool-temperate and subtropical climates and grows best in full sun and part shade or morning sun. It is frost hardy and shrugs off cold winters.
Soil & planting
Little Gem Magnolia does best in free-draining, loamy and acidic soil. Dig in plenty of compost before planting, water in well, and mulch to keep roots cool. For a screen, space plants about 1.5 m apart.
Watering & feeding
Little Gem Magnolia is regular, moderate watering. A feed in spring with a balanced fertiliser keeps growth strong. In its first year, water deeply once or twice a week to settle the roots in, then taper off as it establishes.
Pruning & care
Prune Little Gem Magnolia after flowering to keep it compact and encourage the next flush of blooms. It clips well, so trim two or three times a year for a formal finish. Overall it is low maintenance.
Using Little Gem Magnolia in the garden
Little Gem Magnolia earns its place for a fast screen or informal hedge, a feature or specimen planting, its fragrance and pots and courtyard containers. It is equally at home in the ground or a large pot on a balcony or courtyard.
Companion planting & design
For a cohesive, low-care bed, pair Little Gem Magnolia with other plants that enjoy the same regular, moderate watering and warm-temperate climate. Group three or five together for impact rather than dotting single plants through the garden.
Buying Little Gem Magnolia
Plant Sale lists Little Gem Magnolia as potted plants and advanced specimens. Stock isn't live yet — register your interest using the panel above and we'll email you the moment it is available.