Description: Little Gem Magnolia (Magnolia grandiflora ‘Little Gem’) is a compact evergreen tree with glossy dark green leaves and large, fragrant white flowers. It has a more manageable size than the standard Southern Magnolia.

History & Origin: Developed in 1952 by Steed’s Nursery in Candor, North Carolina, as a compact cultivar of the Southern Magnolia (Magnolia grandiflora). The parent species is native to the southeastern United States and has been cultivated since the 1730s, prized for its magnificent flowers and fragrance.

Care Instructions:
Sunlight: Full sun to partial shade.
Soil: Rich, well-draining, acidic.
Watering: Regular watering until established.
Fertilization: Spring and summer feeding.
Pruning: Minimal pruning needed.
Pests/Diseases: Generally resistant.

Other Details:
USDA Zones: 7-9
Temperature: 0°F to 95°F
Humidity: Prefers high humidity.
Mature Size: 20-25 feet tall, 10-15 feet wide.
Growth Rate: Slow to moderate.
Uses: Specimen tree, screening.