Evergreen Magnolia Little Gem

A dwarf form of bull bay, Magnolia grandiflora Little Gem is a small, slow-growing, evergreen tree or shrub with a columnar habit, ideal as a flowering evergreen in a small garden. The leaves are a glossy deep green, up to 5”/12cm long, with a deep reddish-brown felt on the undersides. The abundant, white, cup-shaped flowers are lightly fragrant, with the characteristic magnolia centre, 4”/10cm across, and are borne in summer, persisting for two months, and followed by ‘cones’ with bright red seeds. Evergreen magnolia Little Gem produces flowers very early in its life. It can be pruned in spring, and given fertiliser each spring, and it can also be grown in a large container.

Site: Sheltered
Soil: Any reliably moist but well-drained soil, preferably slightly acidic and peaty
Position: Full sun
Season of interest: All year, summer in particular
Hardiness: Fully hardy
Height:  26’ (8m) Spread: 10-13’ (3-4m)