Magnolia "Little Gem"

Photo: Roy A. Edwards. Licensed under a CC BY 3.0 New Zealand

One of the most floriferous and most compact varieties of Magnolia grandiflora. Grown at U.S. National Arboretum since 1959. The tree at approximately 16 years old was less than 5 meters in height and about 1 meter width, finer in texture than the species. The leaves are smaller than the species, with a heavy rust-colored indumentum beneath. The flowers are cup-shaped, creamy white, fragrant, slightly smaller than the species. Blooms while still a young plant, often at no more than 40-50cm tall.

Less hardy than the species. Needs a long hot autumn to ripen twigs well. Ideal for small gardens in warmer climates.

Botanical name: Magnolia grandiflora "Little Gem".

Parentage: unknown; selected in 1952 by Warren Steed as a seedling from local seed at Candor, North Carolina, USA.

Habit: small columnar tree.

Height: 3-4m.

Hardiness: USDA zone 7b.

Flowering time: June - September. In warmer climates it can bloom continuously for 7-8 months or even year-round in warmer subtropical and tropical climates.

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