{"product_id":"little-gem-dwarf-southern-magnolia-magnolia-grandiflora-little-gem","title":"Little Gem Magnolia (Magnolia grandiflora 'Little Gem')","description":"\u003ch2\u003eCompact Southern Magnolia with Year-Round Elegance\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe \u003cstrong\u003eLittle Gem Magnolia\u003c\/strong\u003e gives you the classic beauty of a Southern Magnolia in a smaller, more manageable form-fragrant white blooms, glossy evergreen foliage, and year-round structure without the massive size of a traditional Southern Magnolia.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis compact \u003cstrong\u003eMagnolia grandiflora\u003c\/strong\u003e cultivar is ideal when you want a flowering evergreen tree that fits modern landscapes, small gardens, patios, courtyards, and privacy plantings. The \u003cstrong\u003eLittle Gem Magnolia tree\u003c\/strong\u003e typically grows 15 to 20 feet tall and 7 to 10 feet wide, offering the elegance of magnolia varieties from the southeastern United States in a compact narrow form that is easier to place and maintain.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eWhy You’ll Love It\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFragrant White Blooms\u003c\/strong\u003e – The Little Gem Magnolia produces large, creamy white flowers that can reach up to 8 inches in diameter, blooming from late spring through summer and often continuing into fall.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSweet Lemon Scent\u003c\/strong\u003e – The flowers of the Little Gem Magnolia emit a sweet, lemony scent, which attracts pollinators such as bees and butterflies to the garden.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eYear-Round Beauty\u003c\/strong\u003e – Dense evergreen foliage, glossy green leaves, and rusty brown undersides create year round interest even when the tree is not in bloom.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePerfect Size\u003c\/strong\u003e – The Little Gem Magnolia typically reaches a height of 15 to 20 feet and a width of 7 to 10 feet, making it a compact option for smaller gardens.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eLow Maintenance\u003c\/strong\u003e – It is moderately drought-tolerant once established and needs regular watering while young.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFast Privacy\u003c\/strong\u003e – The Little Gem Magnolia is an excellent choice for a privacy screen due to its dense evergreen foliage and low branching canopy, making it ideal for creating secluded outdoor spaces.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe \u003cstrong\u003elittle gem magnolia tree\u003c\/strong\u003e works beautifully as a small tree, large shrub, feature tree, or \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/useyardwork.com\/collections\/flowering-trees\"\u003eflowering evergreen tree for foundation plantings\u003c\/a\u003e. It brings white fragrant flowers, glossy leaves, and a pyramidal shape into the landscape while staying far more compact than a standard Southern Magnolia.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eWhat Makes It Different\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMost Southern Magnolia trees grow too large for today’s homes, patios, and side yards. A traditional Southern Magnolia can become a massive shade tree, while \u003cstrong\u003eMagnolia grandiflora Little Gem\u003c\/strong\u003e keeps a very compact narrow form that is easier to use around homes, fences, and garden borders.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eLittle Gem Magnolia\u003c\/strong\u003e is built differently:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDwarf Version of a Southern Classic\u003c\/strong\u003e – Often described as a dwarf version or slower growing cultivar of \u003cstrong\u003eMagnolia grandiflora\u003c\/strong\u003e, Little Gem offers the beauty of Southern Magnolia in a compact narrow form.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eExtended Bloom Period\u003c\/strong\u003e – Little Gem Magnolia flowers typically begin to bloom in May, with continuous blooming throughout spring and summer, often lasting through October.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSmaller Dark Green Foliage\u003c\/strong\u003e – The leaves of the Little Gem Magnolia are smaller than those of the traditional Southern Magnolia, measuring 4 to 6 inches in length, and have a glossy green appearance with a rusty-brown underside.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eContainer Friendly\u003c\/strong\u003e – The tree serves as an excellent feature tree, screen, or container plant for smaller gardens.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eLandscape Versatility\u003c\/strong\u003e – Little Gem Magnolias thrive in full sun to partial shade, making them versatile for various landscape designs, including foundation plantings and small gardens.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eUse a \u003cstrong\u003elittle\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003cstrong\u003egem magnolia tree\u003c\/strong\u003e near a patio, as a \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/useyardwork.com\/collections\/evergreen-trees\"\u003eprivacy evergreen screen\u003c\/a\u003e along a fence, or as a focal point in groups of three to five for a striking visual impact in gardens or yards. Its dense evergreen foliage, fragrant flowers, and smaller scale make it one of the most practical magnolia varieties for California landscapes.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eTips For Success\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003col\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePlant in Full Sun to Partial Shade\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eChoose a location with at least six hours of sunlight daily. These trees require at least six hours of sunlight daily, with morning light being ideal and some afternoon shade beneficial, especially in hot climates. Little Gem Magnolias thrive in full sun to partial shade, and in warmer areas, full sun to partial afternoon shade helps protect new foliage from stress.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eGive It the Right Soil\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eLittle Gem Magnolia trees thrive best in well-drained, acidic soil with a pH of 5.5 to 6.5, and they perform well in organically rich, loamy soil. Well drained soil, well drained loams, and consistently moist soil support healthy growth. Avoid soil extremes where possible, because magnolia roots are generally intolerant of compaction, poor drainage, and highly alkaline conditions.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWater Deeply While It Establishes\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eWhen newly planted, Little Gem Magnolia trees need to be watered deeply once or twice a week, and once established, they typically require watering only once a week during summer months. Water deeply instead of shallowly so the soil moist zone supports root development. A 2-to-4-inch layer of mulch around the base helps conserve soil moisture and regulate root temperature.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAllow Space for Shallow Roots\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eMagnolia root systems spread widely and shallowly, so it is recommended to plant the tree at least 5 to 10 feet away from structures. Avoid tight paving, heavy foot traffic, and tying young trunks with slender threads that can cut into new growth.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eEnjoy Continuous Blooms\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eFragrant flowers usually appear once the plant is established, often within the first few years. Expect creamy white flowers from late spring through summer, with white blooms often continuing into early fall in favorable conditions.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ol\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe result is a slow growing tree with year round beauty, dense evergreen foliage, white fragrant flowers, and a compact habit that works in small gardens, patios, and privacy plantings, especially when you choose a \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/useyardwork.com\/products\/little-gem-dwarf-southern-magnolia-magnolia-grandiflora-little-gem\"\u003eLittle Gem Dwarf Southern Magnolia\u003c\/a\u003e sized appropriately for your space.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eProduct Details\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eScientific Name: \u003cstrong\u003eMagnolia grandiflora ‘Little Gem’\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCommon Names: Little Gem Magnolia, gem magnolia, little gem, Little Gem Magnolia tree\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePlant Type: Flowering evergreen tree; can also be trained as a small tree, large shrub, or multi stemmed shrub\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMature Size: The Little Gem Magnolia typically reaches a height of 15 to 20 feet and a width of 7 to 10 feet, making it a compact option for smaller gardens.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHeight: Commonly 15 to 20 feet tall\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWidth: Commonly 7 to 10 feet wide\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eGrowth Rate: This tree has a slow growth rate, averaging less than 12 inches per year, and can take around 20 years to reach its full height.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFlowers: The Little Gem Magnolia produces large, creamy white flowers that can reach up to 8 inches in diameter, blooming from late spring through summer and often continuing into fall.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBloom Season: Little Gem Magnolia flowers typically begin to bloom in May, with continuous blooming throughout spring and summer, often lasting through October.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFragrance: Sweet, lemony, white fragrant flowers that attract bees, butterflies, and other pollinators\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFoliage: Evergreen leaves with glossy green leaves above and rusty brown undersides below\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eLeaf Size: The leaves of the Little Gem Magnolia are smaller than those of the traditional Southern Magnolia, measuring 4 to 6 inches in length, and have a glossy green appearance with a rusty-brown underside.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eLight: Full sun to partial shade; full sun to partial afternoon shade is helpful in hot climates\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSoil: Little Gem Magnolia trees thrive best in well-drained, acidic soil with a pH of 5.5 to 6.5, and they perform well in organically rich, loamy soil.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWatering: When newly planted, water deeply once or twice a week; once established, water about once a week during summer months.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDrought Tolerance: It is moderately drought-tolerant once established and needs regular watering while young.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHardiness: Thrives in USDA Hardiness Zones 7 through 9, and can survive down to zone 6 if planted in a protected microclimate.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBest Zone Range: Little Gem Magnolia is best suited for USDA Hardiness Zones 6b–9, with recommendations for protection in colder zones.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eListed Range: Often sold for USDA zones 6–10, depending on local climate, soil, and heat protection\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eLandscape Uses: Feature tree, privacy screen, flowering evergreen, foundation planting, courtyard tree, patio tree, and large container plant; explore additional \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/useyardwork.com\/collections\/magnolia-trees-for-sale\"\u003emagnolia trees for sale\u003c\/a\u003e to complement Little Gem in the landscape\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eUrban Tolerance: Once established, this hardy tree handles many urban pollutants better than many ornamental trees, though healthy growth still depends on good soil and watering.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDeer Resistance: Considered deer resistant in many landscapes, though browsing pressure can vary.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDisease Resistance: Generally disease resistant when planted in well drained soil with good airflow.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAvailable sizes and current pricing may vary by Yardwork inventory. For California customers, \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/useyardwork.com\/pages\/plant-nursery-near-me\"\u003eYardwork’s plant nursery services\u003c\/a\u003e can help you select the right \u003cstrong\u003eLittle Gem Magnolia\u003c\/strong\u003e size for your space, arrange delivery where available, and provide planting guidance for local sun, soil, and watering conditions.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eWho It’s For\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIdeal for:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHomeowners who want magnolia beauty without the massive size of a \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/useyardwork.com\/products\/southern-magnolia-magnolia-grandiflora\"\u003etraditional Southern Magnolia tree\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePrivacy screen seekers who need evergreen coverage with dense evergreen foliage\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSmall garden owners looking for a compact flowering evergreen tree\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePatio and courtyard gardeners who want a gem magnolia in large containers and may also be considering other \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.useyardwork.com\/\"\u003efast growing privacy trees\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eLandscape designs that need a focal point, especially when planted in groups of three to five for visual impact\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCalifornia gardeners who want fragrant white flowers, glossy green foliage, and year round structure in a manageable size, perhaps pairing Little Gem with \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/useyardwork.com\/products\/star-jasmine-trachelospermum-jasminoides\"\u003eStar Jasmine evergreen vines\u003c\/a\u003e for added fragrance and coverage\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIf you want a \u003cstrong\u003esmall tree\u003c\/strong\u003e with creamy white blooms, glossy green leaves, and a compact narrow form, the \u003cstrong\u003eLittle Gem Magnolia tree\u003c\/strong\u003e fits beautifully. It works as a specimen tree, screen, container plant, or foundation planting, especially where full sun, sun to partial shade, or morning sun with partial shade is available.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eFrequently Asked Questions\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHow fast does Little Gem Magnolia grow?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eLittle Gem Magnolia has a slow growth rate, averaging less than 12 inches per year. This slow growing tree can take around 20 years to reach its full height, which is typically 15 to 20 feet tall and 7 to 10 feet wide.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhen do the flowers appear?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eLittle Gem Magnolia flowers typically begin to bloom in May, with continuous blooming throughout spring and summer, often lasting through October. The Little Gem Magnolia produces large, creamy white flowers that can reach up to 8 inches in diameter, blooming from late spring through summer and often continuing into fall.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAre the flowers fragrant?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eYes. The flowers of the Little Gem Magnolia emit a sweet, lemony scent, which attracts pollinators such as bees and butterflies to the garden. The fragrant flowers are one of the main reasons gardeners choose this flowering evergreen.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCan it grow in containers?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eYes. The tree serves as an excellent feature tree, screen, or container plant for smaller gardens. Use large containers, well drained soil, and consistent watering. Container-grown plants need more attention to soil moist conditions because pots dry faster than in-ground planting areas.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHow much space does it need?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eMagnolia root systems spread widely and shallowly, so it is recommended to plant the tree at least 5 to 10 feet away from structures. For screening, allow enough room for the mature 7 to 10 foot width so the low branching canopy can develop naturally.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat soil does it prefer?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eLittle Gem Magnolia trees thrive best in well-drained, acidic soil with a pH of 5.5 to 6.5, and they perform well in organically rich, loamy soil. Well drained loams are ideal. Avoid compacted soil, standing water, and alkaline soil extremes.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHow much sun does it need?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThese trees require at least six hours of sunlight daily, with morning light being ideal and some afternoon shade beneficial, especially in hot climates. Little Gem Magnolias thrive in full sun to partial shade, so they are versatile for foundation plantings, small gardens, and landscape screens.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHow often should I water it?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eWhen newly planted, Little Gem Magnolia trees need to be watered deeply once or twice a week, and once established, they typically require watering only once a week during summer months. It is moderately drought-tolerant once established and needs regular watering while young.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDoes mulch help?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eYes. A 2-to-4-inch layer of mulch around the base helps conserve soil moisture and regulate root temperature. Keep mulch slightly away from the trunk to protect the bark.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat zones does Little Gem Magnolia grow in?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eIt thrives in USDA Hardiness Zones 7 through 9, and can survive down to zone 6 if planted in a protected microclimate. Little Gem Magnolia is best suited for USDA Hardiness Zones 6b–9, with recommendations for protection in colder zones.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eReady to Add Southern Charm?\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eStop searching for a compact magnolia that fits your space. Choose \u003cstrong\u003eLittle Gem Magnolia\u003c\/strong\u003e for fragrant white flowers, dense evergreen foliage, glossy leaves, and year round beauty in a manageable size.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYardwork can help you select the right Little Gem Magnolia for your California landscape, whether you’re planting a privacy screen, creating a courtyard focal point, or adding a flowering evergreen tree to a small garden.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Yardwork Nursery","offers":[{"title":"15 Gallon \/ Espalier","offer_id":42019021422765,"sku":"","price":595.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"15 Gallon \/ Standard","offer_id":42019021455533,"sku":"","price":395.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"24\" Box \/ Espalier","offer_id":42019021488301,"sku":"","price":1150.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"24\" Box \/ Standard","offer_id":42019021521069,"sku":"","price":895.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"36\" Box \/ Espalier","offer_id":42019021553837,"sku":"","price":2150.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"36\" Box \/ Standard","offer_id":42019021586605,"sku":"","price":1850.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"48\" Box \/ Standard","offer_id":42366438670509,"sku":"","price":4500.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0514\/8809\/6429\/products\/IMG_6021.jpg?v=1707261463","url":"https:\/\/www.useyardwork.com\/products\/little-gem-dwarf-southern-magnolia-magnolia-grandiflora-little-gem","provider":"Yardwork","version":"1.0","type":"link"}