Species Little Gem Magnolia
white flower with yellow center, yellow anthers, green leaves and stems

Little Gem Magnolia

Magnolia grandiflora 'Little Gem'

Also Known As - Bull Bay
Little Gem Magnolia is one of the most popular garden plants. This slow-growing, evergreen tree has an upright pyramidal shape with dense, glossy foliage. Its easily maintained reaching up to 10-15 feet in height, and is perfect for tight spaces. The deep green, magnolia-like leaves have a rusty underside which adds to its charm. In fall and winter, pale yellow flowers grace its branches. Its tolerance for heat and humidity make it an ideal choice for any garden, and as an added bonus it's virtually pest and disease-free. Its unmistakable beauty makes it a great addition to any landscape.

Cycle:

Perennial

Watering:

Average

Propagation:

Seed Propagation,Cutting

Hardiness Zone:

6

Flowers:

White Flowers

Sun:

Full sun,part shade

Soil:

Well-drained

Fruits:

green,pink,cream,white Fruits In Autumn Ready In Fall

Leaf:

Yes

Leaf Color:

green

Growth Rate:

Moderate

Maintenance:

Moderate

watering

Little Gem Magnolia requires moderate watering. During the summer months, water the bush at least once a week if there is no rain. During the winter months, water every 14 days. Monitor the soil to make sure the soil is not too dry. If it is, increase the frequency of watering. In order to ensure proper hydration, always check the soil before watering the plant. Additionally, water the plant slowly to ensure proper penetration into the soil.

sunlight

Little Gem Magnolia should be grown in full sun locations (at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day) during the summer and situated in part shade during the winter months to protect them from cold winds or frost damage. Plants can tolerate some afternoon shade in hotter climates, but too much shade can reduce flowering. With adequate sun, plants will develop an attractive rounded form with glossy green foliage.

pruning

Little Gem Magnolia should be pruned in the late spring or early summer, before the plant begins growing new leaves. Pruning should be done with care, as too much or harsh pruning can damage the plant. It is best to remove dead, diseased, and overcrowded branches. Pruning should focus on cutting out any branches that are growing in an awkward or unattractive direction. Look for branches that are crossing or rubbing against each other and remove one of them. Aim to create an open and airy shape for the tree by removing any inward or downward growing branches. To maintain the size and shape of the tree, selectively prune Little Gem Magnolias no more than 1-third of the plant’s top growth.

Season

Fall
Winter
Spring
Summer
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Harvest Fruit

The best time to start harvesting the fruits from the Little Gem Magnolia is in the months of September and October.

Starts Flowering

Little Gem Magnolia typically starts flowering in April.

Hardiness Map