Little Gem Magnolia

Botanical Name: Magnolia grandiflora ‘Little Gem’

Common Name: Little Gem Magnolia

Mature Height and Width:
15–25' tall × 8–12' wide

Growth Habit:
Compact upright evergreen tree with narrow pyramidal to columnar form. Strong central leader with dense, layered branching. More compact and tighter in structure than species magnolia. Moderate growth rate.

Foliage Description:
Small to medium leathery leaves, glossy dark green above with bronze-brown felted undersides. Leaves are shorter and narrower than species, creating finer overall texture. Evergreen in Zones 7–9 (semi-evergreen in protected Zone 6 sites).

Flower Description:
Creamy white, cup-shaped fragrant flowers 5–7" wide. Blooms are terminal and appear intermittently through late spring and summer rather than in a single heavy flush.

Bloom Time:
Late spring through summer with sporadic rebloom.

Fall Color:
Evergreen; no fall color.

Light Requirements:
Full sun to partial shade. Best density and flowering in full sun.

Hardiness Zone:
USDA Zones 6b–9 (best reliability in Zone 7 and warmer; protected Zone 6 sites recommended).

Notable Landscape Uses:
Foundation anchor; narrow lawn specimen; evergreen screening; driveway flank; courtyard tree; vertical accent in smaller landscapes.

Deer Resistance:
Moderate to High
Thick leathery foliage is generally avoided once established.