Magnolia grandiflora 'Little Gem'
Southern magnolia, Bull bay, Laurel magnolia, Large flowered magnolia, Evergreen magnolia
- Height × spread
- 5m × 2m
- Position
- Full sun
- Hardiness
- Cold to -15C (RHS H5)
- Flowers
- Summer, Autumn
Availability
Generally available in Summer
Many plants are seasonal. Call 01234 567890 to check current stock.
About this plant
A slow-growing form with a somewhat columnar habit that makes an oval-shaped plant. It has good-sized elliptic leaves that are glossy dark green on their upper side, with a soft burnt orange on their lower side called 'indumentum'. This is soft and felty to the touch, protects the leaf from cold, and is commonly seen in the Magnolia grandifolia forms. The leaves are lively in effect, often slightly curved and twisted. The large cup-shaped flowers are carried singly, but are borne with some freedom over several months. This form is only likely to thrive outside in the very warmest parts of the country.
- Flower colour
- White
- Foliage colour
- Green
- Stem colour
- Brown
- Variegated
- No
- Scent
- Yes, lemon-orange
- Shape
- Oval
- Height
- 5m
- Spread
- 2m
- Height in 10 years
- 3m
- Spread in 10 years
- 1.5m
- Season of interest
- Summer, Autumn
- Flowers in
- Summer, Autumn
- Evergreen
- Evergreen
- Garden style
- Seaside garden
- Sun or shade
- Likes full sun, tolerates part shade
- Soil type
- Loam (normal)
- Soil pH
- All types
- Drainage
- Moisture retentive soil, Well drained soil, Drought resistant
- Hardiness
- Cold to -15C (RHS H5)
- Borders & containers
- Borders
- Use for
- Wall cover, Architectural, Sensory garden (tactile)
- Walls
- East, South, West facing
- Deer
- Protect from deer when young if in vulnerable area
- Hazards
- No
Spring
Spring - late · Outdoors
Feed young plants with slow release fertiliser
Spread a slow release fertiliser around the base of the plant to the edge of the foliage spread, so that it can feed the roots. It is helpful for this to be applied for several years.
This is a simple way to provide a nutrient boost until the plant becomes well established.
Spring-Autumn · Outdoors
Water to keep the soil moist
For best results, this plant needs soil that is always moist. Water deeply and regularly as soon as soil appears dry. Even for established plants in the ground, a dry week can cause problems with some soils. Check plants in pots more often, especially in hot weather. Or install an automatic irrigation system which will do the hard work for you, even when you are away on holiday.
Without regular watering some plants never fully regain their beauty.
Planting & general
Outdoor planting · Planting
Add root growth stimulant to the planting hole
Mycorrhizal fungi helps roots establish quickly, so they absorb water and nutrients more efficiently. It comes as a powder, granule or gel. Add to the planting hole or container, and to the plant's rootball before planting in the hole. For "bareroot" plants use a gel.
Planting
Protect & support young trees
Attach a newly planted tree or tall shrub over 1m to a tree stake to give support and prevent windrock. Use a tree guard to stop tree bark being eaten by animals, especially in areas with deer - removing bark injures a tree and in worst case can kill it.
Found in
More Magnolia
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Magnolia 'Susan'
Magnolia grandiflora
Southern magnolia, Bull bay, Laurel magnolia
Magnolia liliiflora 'Nigra'
Mu-lan, Woody orchid, Purple flowered magnolia, Lily magnolia
Magnolia stellata
Star magnolia
Magnolia stellata 'Rosea'
Star magnolia
Magnolia x loebneri 'Leonard Messel'
Loebner magnolia