This cultivar of Southern Magnolia has a compact, upright growth habit more typical of a multi stemmed shrub than a single-trunked tree. It grows at a slow rate to a height of perhaps 30 to 35 feet with an 8 to 12-foot spread and flowers at two or three years old. It is surprising to see a Magnolia flower when it is only three or four feet tall. `Little Gem’ Southern Magnolia forms a dense, dark green oval or pyramidal shape, making it suited
for screen or hedge planting.
Light requirement: full sun, partial sun or partial shade Soil tolerances: clay; sand; loam; slightly alkaline; acidic; well-drained; occassionally wet Drought tolerance: moderate Aerosol salt tolerance: moderate
The five to 8-inch-long, leathery, oblong, shiny leaves are shed as new foliage emerges
in the spring. The large, slowly-decomposing leaves drop on the sidewalk or patio and
are considered by some people to be messy or a nuisance to clean up. The underside
of the leaves is covered with a fine, red-brown fuzz which is more prominent on some
selections than others. In late spring and sporadically throughout the summer, huge,
8-inch-diameter, waxy, fragrant, white blossoms open to perfume the entire garden.
Fuzzy brown cones follow these blooms, ripening in fall and winter to reveal bright red
seeds which are used by a variety of wildlife.
Long-used as a striking garden specimen, Southern Magnolia can also serve as a
dense screen or windbreak or street tree where there is plenty of soil space for root
expansion. Its ease of growth and carefree nature make Southern Magnolia ideal for the
low-maintenance landscape. With proper pruning, Southern Magnolia trees can also be
used as an interesting espalier. They are tolerant of pruning and can be shaped into a
screen or hedge of almost any form. This is a nice Southern Magnolia for residential
properties since it stays small, has small leaves and flowers early.
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Delivery is included in the price of your tree. We proudly serve the entire state of Florida. (All other delivery fees will be quoted at time of purchase), and a One-Year Guarantee on every tree planted by The Tree Planters.