Magnolia Little Gems

[Janine Paranavitana]

Any tips for helping these grow

[Mark Stennett]

Found this information on the web..

Magnolias have long conjured up images of romance and gracious living. The large white flowers of Magnolia grandiflora are particularly striking and well known.
Magnolia ‘Little Gem’ is a dwarf form of Magnolia grandiflora having the same beautiful large white open flowers and the shining green leaves. The underside of the leaves is a lovely copper colour. Flowering in Spring and Summer, Magnolia ‘Little Gem’ is a great feature plant for gardens or large patio pots.
In any sunny position with well drained soil Magnolia ‘Little Gem’ will grow well in most parts of Australia from Rockhampton in Queensland, around the southern coast to Geraldton in Western Australia. A hedge of Magnolia ‘Little Gem’ which grows to approximately 4 metres in height and 2.5 metres in width unpruned is a sight to see. As specimens in lawns, parks or garden beds Magnolia ‘Little Gem’ will perform well. Frosts to -5 degrees Celsius will be tolerated once established. Give some shelter in the first few years. In large decorative patio pots many years of use for foliage and flower can be achieved.
Magnolia grandiflora, the Southern Evergreen Magnolia is one of the most handsome evergreen flowering trees. It is a native to the United States from North Carolina to Florida and Texas. ‘Little Gem’grows to only a quarter of the size of this well known tree. ‘Little Gem’ was developed by Warren Steed of Steed’s Nursery, North Carolina in the U.S.A.
Magnolia ‘Little Gem’ has very little after-care. Once the plants are established mulching with leaf and bark to 5cm in depth will keep the roots cool and moist.

Seed heads usually form after flowering. These fall naturally but if you do remove them straight after flowering it will encourage new growth and extra flowers.

We have not seen any insect or disease problems with Magnolia ‘Little Gem’ during the five years we have had it under trial in our gardens both in the ground and in large pots.