Little Gem Magnolia Tree

Little gem magnolia tree

The little gem magnolia grows to a height of 15–20' and a spread of 7–10' at maturity.

Where should you plant a little gem magnolia?

Plant in well-drained, acidic soil and in full sun or partial shade. Make sure the tree has plenty of room to grow to its full size. Mulch creating a 3-4 inch layer at base but leave room at the trunk of the tree. Water regularly for the first few years until your magnolia is established.

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

Considerations When Growing Magnolias Cultivar and growth rate may dictate that a magnolia attains maturity in between 10 to 30 years, but conditions of soil, moisture and environment might oblige the tree to take longer.

How far should you plant a little gem magnolia tree from a house?

Determining how far from your home you should plant a magnolia tree is no easy feat. However, it's best to measure about 50 feet away from your house to ensure you don't run into trouble as the tree matures.

Can Little Gem magnolia be planted next to house?

Come out at least 5 feet or more from the house. If you're planting a row of dwarf magnolias, place them 6 feet apartor, for a privacy screen, 4 feet apart is fine. For planting along a fence, position the tree about 4 feet out.

Do little gem magnolias have invasive roots?

The roots of Little Gem Magnolia have a characteristic of wide-spreading, stretching from trunk to a span of four times the umbrella diameter but they're non-invasive.

What is the lifespan of a little gem magnolia?

There appears to be limited information about Little Gem life expectancy however dwarf trees usually last considerably less generally 25-50years. The year range varied across websites for Little Gem with some sites stating 30-40 years others up to 70 years.

How far to plant little gem magnolia from fence?

Since Magnolia Trees grow best with minimal invasion of other plants, it is best to also plant these at least 6 feet from fences or buildings, although 10 feet or more is preferable.

How much space does a little gem magnolia need?

Space your trees 5 feet apart for a quick screen, or up to 8 feet apart if your need is not so urgent. A wider spacing is also more suitable if you want a screen that is over 12 feet tall, as the trees need more width available to reach their full height.

How do I look after my little gem magnolia?

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).

Do Little Gem magnolias need pruning?

During the spring, a slow-release fertilizer can be added to the soil to support growth. Especially if you are growing a magnolia little gem hedge, it is recommended to prune lightly if necessary. As it is a slow grower, it shouldn't be too often, and with this species, less is more.

When should you plant little gem magnolia tree?

Spring and fall are the best times for planting magnolias. However if you live in an area with mild summers or winters you can plant at these times as well. Full sun is the best choice for the Little Gem Magnolia tree, but it can tolerate some shade.

Are magnolia trees low maintenance?

Although magnolia trees are surprisingly low maintenance, magnolia tree roots can cause problems for a homeowner. Read on to find out the type of magnolia tree root damage to expect if you plant these tree close to the house.

Is there a smaller magnolia than little gem?

The 'Teddy Bear' magnolia is a slightly smaller version of 'Little Gem,' but with bigger flowers. It grows 15- to 20-feet tall and 10 feet wide and is hardy to USDA Zone 7. This is my #1 choice for small gardens.

What's the difference between little gem and teddy bear magnolia?

Magnolia Little Gem is a smaller tree, growing to be only 6 meters tall at maturity. Teddy Bear Magnolia, on the other hand, can grow to be 10 meters tall. If you are looking for a bigger tree, Teddy Bear Magnolia is the way to go.

What are the cons of magnolia trees?

Its shallow roots spread wide and can cause damage to sidewalks and driveways; if relocated during construction, a magnolia will undergo significant damage and likely die.

How do you keep a little gem magnolia small?

If you want to trim Little Gem, particularly if you're planning to shape it into an espalier, it's best to prune it when it's young. Older trees require more extensive pruning cuts, which are slower to heal than smaller ones.

Can Little Gem magnolias grow in full sun?

Magnolia Little Gem prefers a full sun position in moist, well drained soil, although will tolerate part shade. Shows good heat tolerance once established making it ideal for a wide range of climates.