Is Magnolia Little Gem Fast Growing?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

, , , ,

The Little Gem Magnolia is the perfect tree for your yard if you are seeking a smaller version of the evergreen magnolia without sacrificing any of the usual beauty. The Little Gem reaches only 20-25 feet with a spread of 8-12 feet and has a slow growth-rate,

approximately 1 1/2 feet per year

.

Can you keep little gem magnolia small?

The answer is

yes

, but only if you have an extremely large container! The smallest varieties of “dwarf” forms grow 8-12 feet tall and 6-8 feet wide at full maturity. Most of the smaller types grow into a multistemmed shrub rather than a single-trunk tree, though you could train them into a tree form.

How big do little gem magnolias grow?

The little gem magnolia grows to a

height of 15–20′ and a spread of 7–10′

at maturity.

How long does it take for a little gem magnolia to mature?

‘Little Gem’ is a dwarf cultivar of the Southern Magnolia and it can potentially grow to heights of 25-30 feet with a spread of 10 to 12 feet. Another advantage the ‘Little Gem’, besides size, is it flowers within two to three years whereas the parent may take

up to twelve years

to produce flowers.

How far apart do you plant little gem magnolia?

The cold hardy Magnolia cultivar flowers heavily for a longer period when grown in warmer regions. It has white, medium-sized flowers that grow as large as 4 to 6 inches. The Magnolia “Little Gem” tree should be planted on soil with pH 5.6 to 6.5 and should be spaced

between 8 feet to 12 feet

between each other.

Does magnolia little gem have invasive roots?

Root system – Although

not regarded as invasive in most soils

, it is still extensive and will spread further out than the dripline.

Are Little Gem magnolias poisonous to dogs?


Magnolia trees are not considered toxic to dogs

, cats or horses.

Are Little Gem magnolias messy?

Foliage of ‘Little Gem’ Southern Magnolia. 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

.

Should you prune magnolia little gem?

The Evergreen Magnolias including Magnolia ‘Little Gem’ , ‘Teddy Bear’ and ‘Kay Parris’ all benefit from

pruning at the right time of year

. … Pruning evergreen magnolias is carried out for three reasons, to encourage a bushy habit to maintain size and shape and to rejuvenate older plants.

What grows under Little Gem magnolias?


Flowering dogwood, birch and maple trees

make good neighbors for the “Little Gem” magnolia.

How do you make magnolia little gem grow faster?

Under the Tree

Mulching under a magnolia tree can spur it to grow quickly by

keeping the roots cool and moist during hot summer months

. For best results, spread straw, shredded bark or another organic mulch in spring, extending the mulched zone a foot or two past the tree’s root zone; renew the mulch as it breaks down.

What kills a magnolia tree?

Magnolias are susceptible to a few pests and diseases such as baterical leaf spot, magnolia boreres, spot anthracnose, canker, dieback, butt rot, powdery mildew, anthracnose, fungal spots, snails, weevils, scale insects, planthoppers, and thrips. I believe in your case dieback is probably the culprit.

How do you look after magnolia little gem?

Caring for a magnolia tree

Your magnolia tree will only require a little care:

Mulch annually in spring

to help retain moisture in warmer months. Feed with an acid-balanced controlled-release fertiliser in spring. Ensure adequate moisture during hot and/or dry times, especially when plants are young (first 3 years).

Can you plant little gem magnolia close to house?

It can be

planted almost anywhere there’s sunshine

– even fairly close to the house. And its compact, upright form makes it an excellent specimen tree for a small yard. If you prefer a larger, more stately tree, consider the D. D. Blanchard magnolia.

Do Little Gem magnolias have a scent?

Southern magnolia (Magnolia grandiflora), bears large, lemon-scented flowers. … The cultivar “Little Gem” (Magnolia grandiflora “Little Gem”) features

the same lemony floral perfume

, and it is a continuously blooming tree that grows 30 feet tall.

What is the most beautiful magnolia tree?

Considered one of the most beautiful Magnolias,

Magnolia denudata

is a large deciduous shrub or small tree. Upright and cup-shaped when borne, its creamy to ivory white flowers gracefully open their 9-12 tepals as they mature, resembling lilies.

David Martineau
Author
David Martineau
David is an interior designer and home improvement expert. With a degree in architecture, David has worked on various renovation projects and has written for several home and garden publications. David's expertise in decorating, renovation, and repair will help you create your dream home.