SelecTree: Tree Detail
LITTLE GEM MAGNOLIA
Magnolia grandiflora 'Little Gem'
Photo Locations: Dallas Arboretum - Dallas, TX, The National Arboretum - Washington, DC and San Marcos Growers - Santa Barbara, CA
General Notes
Utility friendly tree.
Blooms at a young age. Likes deep but infrequent watering.
Has fragrant Flower.
Family: Magnoliaceae
Additional Common Names
LITTLE GEM MAGNOLIA, Dwarf Southern Magnolia
Tree Characteristics
Rounded Shape.
Has Evergreen foliage.
Height: 20 feet.
Width: 10 feet.
Growth Rate: 12 Inches per Year.
Longevity 50 to 150 years.
Leaves Elliptic to Oval, Dark Green, No Change, Evergreen.
Flowers Showy. Fragrant White. Flowers in Spring, Summer or Fall. Has perfect flowers (male and female parts in each flower).
Prolific, Purple or Red Follicle, Large (1.50 - 3.00 inches), fruiting in Summer or Fall.
Bark Light Green, Fissured.
Shading Capacity Rated as Dense in Leaf.
Litter Issue is Flowers, Dry Fruit and Leaves.
Tree Site Conditions & Constraints
Sunset Zones 4 - 12 and 14 - 24.
USDA Hardiness Zones 5 - 9.
Exposure Full Sun to Partial Shade.
Moist Soil.
Clay, Loam or Sand Texture.
Highly Acidic to Slightly Alkaline Soil pH.
Salinity Tolerance is Moderate on Coast.
Seaside Tolerance is Good in Mild Zone.
Pests & Disease Information
Susceptible to Invasive Shot Hole Borer, Aphids, Scales and Spider Mites, Armillaria, Root Rot and Verticillium.
Health, Safety & Environmental Concerns
Branch Strength Rated as Medium.
Root Damage Potential Rated as Low.
None Known Health Hazard.
Attracts Birds.
Special Uses & Values
Screen.
Espalier.
Cite this tree:
SelecTree. "Magnolia grandiflora 'Little Gem' Tree Record." 1995-2021. Apr 12, 2021.
< https://selectree.calpoly.edu/tree-detail/magnolia-grandiflora-little-gem >
SelecTree Nursery Connection Map
Cal Poly / ESRI