Magnolia grandiflora 'Little Gem' - Evergreen Trees Direct

Magnolia grandiflora 'Little Gem'

$190.00

Tax included. Shipping calculated at checkout.

Size: 30cm/33cm

30cm/33cm 40cm/45L 50cm/75L 100L 200L 300L

All stock is grown, maintained and graded in strict accordance with AS 4373-2007, Australian Standard for Nursery Stock.

Current Stock Height Guides

30cm/33cm: 0.7m – 1m Approx.
40cm/45L: 1.0m – 1.6m Approx.
70L: Enquire within for height guide information.
100L: 1.5m – 2.2m Approx.
200L: 1.7m – 2.8m Approx.
300L: Enquire within for height guide information.

Height guide disclaimer: Height ranges are approximate only. As living products, plant heights naturally vary between individual plants, batches, and seasons. No guarantee is given that supplied plants will fall within the stated range. If minimum heights are required, you mustconfirm current batch heights with Evergreen Trees Direct prior to purchase. Variation in height is normal and is not grounds for return, refund, replacement, or compensation.

Mature Height & Width

Mature Height: 4m - 6m Approximately

Mature Width: 2 – 3 meters

Magnolia grandiflora 'Little Gem' is expected to grow Approx 20 – 40 cm per year (moderate).

Root Ball Dimensions (Height & Width)

Use this as a reference when digging your planting hole. We recommend digging at least 10% wider than the dimensions below to encourage strong root development.

30cm Pot: 33cm (W) × 30cm (D)
40cm/45L Pot: 44cm (W) × 41.5cm (D)
50cm Pot / 70L Pot: 55cm (W) × 41.8cm (D)
100L Bag: 50.6cm (W) × 52.8cm (D)
150L Bag: 66cm (W) × 55cm (D)
200L Bag: 71.5cm (W) × 60.5cm (D)
300L Bag: 88cm (W) × 63.8cm (D)
400L Bag: 99cm (W) × 66cm (D)
500L Bag: 122cm (W) × 66cm (D)
750L Bag: 134cm (W) × 69cm (D)
1000L Bag: 146.3cm (W) × 71.5cm (D)
2000L Bag: 176cm (W) × 82.5cm (D)

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Shipping Cost

Shipping is calculated at checkout based on the pallet space your order occupies in the truck and your delivery location.

There is no charge to calculate your freight.

Contact Us

Have a question or a list to send through to us?

Email: sales@evergreentrees.com.au

Phone: (03) 7042 3318

VOLUME DISCOUNTS

10% off orders over $1,000
15% off orders over $2,000
20% off orders over $7,500

Discounts Apply Automatically At Checkout

About Your New Magnolia grandiflora 'Little Gem'

Magnolia grandiflora 'Little Gem', known as the Little Gem Magnolia, is a compact, evergreen Southern Magnolia cultivar prized for its upright, dense, conical form and glossy green leaves with bronze undersides. Growing 4-6 metres tall and 2-3 metres wide, it's perfect for smaller gardens, containers, or formal screens.

This tree produces large, fragrant creamy-white flowers up to 20 cm in diameter, blooming intermittently year-round with a peak in late spring to summer. It is pest-resistant, tolerates urban pollution, and is drought-tolerant once established.

Preferring full sun to partial shade and well-drained, slightly acidic to neutral soil, it requires low maintenance with pruning after flowering to maintain shape. The 'Little Gem' attracts pollinators and offers elegant year-round foliage and floral interest in compact spaces.

Little Gem or Teddy Bear? Little Gem grows taller (4-6m) with a more open conical form, ideal for tall narrow hedges and formal screens. Its sister cultivar Teddy Bear stays more compact (3-4m) with a denser, rounded habit better suited to small formal features and tight courtyard spaces. Both share the same glossy foliage with bronze undersides and large fragrant white blooms.

Frequently Asked Questions

About Magnolia grandiflora 'Little Gem'

How tall does Little Gem Magnolia grow?

Little Gem grows to 4-6 metres tall and 2-3 metres wide, with an upright pyramidal form.

How fast does Little Gem grow?

Little Gem is a slow to moderate grower, adding 20-40cm per year. Patience is rewarded with a dense, formal habit.

Is Little Gem suitable for hedging?

Yes. Little Gem makes an excellent formal hedge or screen, particularly in narrow spaces. Plant 1-1.5 metres apart for a continuous screen.

When does Little Gem flower?

Large fragrant creamy-white flowers appear intermittently year-round, with peak flush from late spring to summer (November to February in Australia).

What is the difference between Little Gem and Teddy Bear Magnolia?

Both are compact grandiflora magnolias. Little Gem is taller (4-6m) with a more open conical form, while Teddy Bear (3-4m) is bushier with a denser, rounded habit. Choose Little Gem for tall narrow hedges and Teddy Bear for compact formal features in smaller spaces.

Can Little Gem grow in pots?

Yes. Little Gem is well suited to large pots (60L+) and is widely used as a formal feature in courtyards, narrow garden beds, and balconies.

Enriched Planting Mix (AO Certified)

$21.95

Features and Benefits

Organically certified product
Improves aeration for roots
A rich blend of Pure Magic Compost, composted animal manure, Gypsum, composted coarse bark and wetting agent
Excellent to mix with heavy clay soils, an organic mixture with added gypsum which is perfect for exotic plants
Revitalises tired soils, adds nutrient and organic matter, no chemical additives, weed free
Assists in retaining moisture in the soil longer after rain or watering

Directions For Use

Water plant well at least several hours prior to planting.
Dig a hole at least twice the width of the pot and 7cm deeper than the pot.
Mix Grow Better Enriched Planting Mix with the soil that has been dug out of the hole, adding about 1/3 planting mix.
Spread a 7cm layer of improved soil in the hole and remove plant from the pot. Tease roots gently if the root ball is very firm and place plant in the planting hole. Check that pot soil is level with the surrounding soil surface level, not higher or lower.
Fill in the hole with improved soil mixture, firm down soil and water well adding Grow Better Plant Starter to final watering.

View full details

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Enriched Planting Mix (AO Certified)

$21.95

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Uses in my Garden

Feature Tree
Screening or Privacy
Shade Tree
Council or Civic Landscapes

Magnolia grandiflora 'Little Gem' works in an:

Formal Garden – structured, symmetrical design with clipped shapes.
Modern Garden – sleek, minimal, and design-led planting.
Cottage Garden – romantic mix of flowers, colour, and texture.
Low-maintenance Garden – resilient choices for easy care and year-round appeal.

Is Magnolia grandiflora 'Little Gem' Evergreen or Deciduous?

Magnolia grandiflora 'Little Gem' is an Evergreen (foliage year round) Tree

Mature Height & Width

Mature Height: 4m - 6m Approximately

Mature Width: 2 – 3 meters

Magnolia grandiflora 'Little Gem' is expected to grow Approx 20 – 40 cm per year (moderate).

Growth Rate of Magnolia grandiflora 'Little Gem'

Magnolia grandiflora 'Little Gem' is expected to grow Approx 20 – 40 cm per year (moderate).

They are considered to have a:

Medium Growth Rate

Frost Tolerance & Ideal Climate to plant Magnolia grandiflora 'Little Gem'

Is Magnolia grandiflora 'Little Gem' frost tolerant?

Magnolia grandiflora 'Little Gem' is Frost Tolerant – Can handle light to moderate frost once established.

Does Magnolia grandiflora 'Little Gem' Flower?

Magnolia grandiflora ‘Little Gem’ produces abundant creamy-white, lemon-scented flowers from late spring through summer, with sporadic blooms into early autumn. These classic magnolia flowers sit proudly above the compact, glossy foliage and rich bronze leaf undersides, creating a long-lasting and elegant seasonal display.

Does Magnolia grandiflora 'Little Gem' flower?

Yes - Flowers

Flowering Period:

Spring
Summer

Flower Type:

Fragrant

Flower Colour:

White

Is Magnolia grandiflora 'Little Gem' an Australian Native Tree?

No

Magnolia grandiflora 'Little Gem' is Native to A cultivated form of Magnolia grandiflora, native to the southeastern United States, bred for compact growth and extended flowering.

What is the Wildlife Value of Magnolia grandiflora 'Little Gem' ?

Its nectar-rich flowers attract bees, beetles and other pollinating insects, while the dense evergreen canopy provides shelter and nesting habitat for small birds. The seed-bearing cones that follow flowering offer additional food sources for wildlife, supporting biodiversity in ornamental gardens.

How much Sunlight does Magnolia grandiflora 'Little Gem' need?

Magnolia grandiflora 'Little Gem' will thrive best in:

Full Sun
Part Shade

Preferred Soil?

Magnolia grandiflora ‘Little Gem’ performs best in well-drained, slightly acidic loam or sandy loam soils. It may struggle in heavy clay, alkaline or poorly drained conditions unless improved with organic matter and coarse material to enhance soil structure and drainage. Keep soil evenly moist during establishment, then transition to deep, occasional watering as the tree matures to support its strong evergreen growth, compact shape and reliable flowering.

Is Magnolia grandiflora 'Little Gem' Drought Tolerant?

Is Magnolia grandiflora 'Little Gem' Drought tolerant?

As a young tree it requires regular watering, but once established ‘Little Gem’ develops good drought tolerance. It performs well in warm, dry and coastal conditions and maintains its tight, upright habit with deep, occasional watering during extended dry spells.

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How To Plant Your Magnolia grandiflora 'Little Gem'

Planting & Care Guide

How to plant Magnolia Little Gem:

Select a site with well-draining soil and access to full sun or partial shade.
Dig a hole twice as wide as the root ball but just as deep.
Remove the tree from its container and gently loosen the root ball.
Position the tree in the hole, ensuring it's at the same depth as it was in the container.
Backfill the hole with soil and water generously.
Mulch around the base to retain moisture and prevent weeds.

Recommended Planting Spacing For Your Magnolia grandiflora 'Little Gem'

Feature Planting: Space 2 – 3 m apart for balanced, compact form

Hedging & Screening: Space 1.5 – 2.5 m apart for dense privacy screen

Avenue Planting: Space 3 – 4 m apart for symmetrical, upright alignment

Magnolia grandiflora 'Little Gem' is expected to grow Approx 20 – 40 cm per year (moderate).

Medium Growth Rate

Long Term Care For Your Magnolia grandiflora 'Little Gem'

Caring for Magnolia Little Gem:

Water regularly, ensuring the soil remains moist, especially during dry periods.
Apply a slow-release fertiliser in spring to boost growth and flower production.
Prune minimally to maintain shape, removing dead or diseased branches.

Planting Your Magnolia grandiflora 'Little Gem' in Different Soil

How to Grow in Different Soil Types

Magnolia 'Little Gem' prefers moist, well-drained soil, but adapts to a variety of conditions:

Sandy Soil: Retains moisture poorly, so add organic matter to improve water retention.

Clay Soil: Prone to compaction—amend with compost and gypsum for better drainage.

Loamy Soil: Ideal for optimal root development and steady growth.

Acidic or Alkaline Soil: Prefers slightly acidic to neutral soil, but tolerates mild alkalin

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How often to water during hot summers?
A: Keep soil moist; might require daily watering in extreme heat.
Q: Ideal pruning time?
A: Late winter or early spring.
Q: Can Magnolia Little Gem be planted in containers?
A: Yes they can be, ensure adequate container size and good drainage. We do however recommend planting them in the ground.