Magnolia grandiflora 'Little Gem'

evergreen magnolia

Eventual height & spread

Magnolia grandiflora 'Little Gem'

evergreen magnolia

  • 5 litre pot | 40 - 50cm tall
  • £79.99
  • In stock (shipped within 2-3 working days)
  • 7.5 litre pot | 0.8 - 1m tall
  • £129.99
  • In stock (shipped within 2-3 working days)
Delivery options
  • Standard £5.99
  • Named Day £10.99
  • Position: full sun or partial shade
  • Soil: moderately fertile, moist but well-drained soil
  • Rate of growth: slow
  • Flowering period: August to September
  • Hardiness: fully hardy


A compact cultivar of the bull bay, this evergreen shrub is ideal for smaller gardens or for training against a courtyard wall.

Magnolia grandiflora 'Little Gem' has an upright habit and throughout the year, the branches are clothed with 12cm (5in) long dark green leaves that have a furry, rusty orange underside. This becomes quite an attractive feature as the tree matures and is viewed from beneath. It's when the creamy white late summer flowers appear however that these impressive plants are at their best.


  • Garden care:
    Choose a sheltered position away from strong winds. Work plenty of ericaceous compost into the planting hole to create the right soil conditions and water well after planting. Magnolias prefer neutral to acidic, moisture-retentive but free-draining soils, so avoid very chalky ground unless improved with organic matter.

    These shrubs and small trees need very little pruning. Only remove broken, diseased, or crossing branches, ideally in midsummer once flowering has finished. Heavy pruning is not recommended as it can spoil the natural shape and reduce future flowering.

    Apply a mulch of leafmould or well-rotted manure in spring to help conserve soil moisture, especially on lighter soils. Water newly planted specimens regularly during dry periods, as magnolias dislike drying out. Once established, they need little attention beyond occasional feeding with an ericaceous fertiliser in spring to support healthy growth and abundant blooms.