MAGNOLIA GRAND. LITTLE GEM

Description and General Information

• Botanical Name: Magnolia grandiflora ‘Little Gem’

• Common Name: Little Gem Magnolia

• Plant Type: Evergreen ornamental tree or large shrub with compact growth.

• Growth Habit: Upright, dense, and columnar; typically grows 4–6 m tall and 2–3 m wide, making it smaller than standard magnolias and ideal for smaller gardens.

• Foliage: Glossy, dark green leaves with attractive copper-brown undersides, providing year-round colour and texture.

• Flowers: Large, creamy-white, fragrant blooms up to 15 cm wide, appearing from late spring through summer with intermittent flowering into autumn.

• Seasonal Interest: Year-round foliage interest, spectacular flowers in warm months, and striking form in winter.

• Garden Uses: Excellent as a specimen tree, in large containers, as an evergreen screen, or in mixed borders.

• Wildlife Benefits: Flowers attract bees and pollinators; dense foliage offers shelter for birds.

• Hardiness: Hardy in most areas of the UK and Ireland, but young plants may require protection in severe winters.

Planting Conditions and Ideal Location

• Light Requirements: Prefers full sun for best flowering but tolerates light shade.

• Soil Preferences: Thrives in fertile, well-drained soil rich in organic matter; avoid very alkaline conditions.

• pH Range: Slightly acidic to neutral (pH 5.5–7.0).

• Moisture Needs: Keep soil consistently moist, especially in summer, but avoid waterlogging.

• Planting Time: Best planted in spring or early autumn to allow roots to establish before extreme heat or cold.

• Spacing: Allow at least 2–3 m between plants for natural growth; closer spacing if used as a screen.

• Shelter Needs: Plant in a sheltered position, protected from strong winds that may damage flowers and foliage.

• Companion Planting: Works well with other evergreens such as Camellia, Rhododendron, and Photinia, or beneath planted with seasonal perennials.

• Container Growing: Suitable for large planters; use a loam-based compost with added grit for drainage and ensure regular watering.

Routine Care, Feeding, and Seasonal Maintenance

• Watering:

  • Water regularly during the first 12–18 months after planting to establish deep roots.

  • In hot, dry weather, water deeply once or twice a week.

• Feeding:

  • Apply a slow-release fertiliser in spring to encourage healthy foliage and flower production.

  • Mulch with well-rotted compost or leaf mould to conserve moisture and improve soil.

• Pruning:

  • Minimal pruning is needed; remove dead, damaged, or crossing branches in late winter or early spring.

  • Light shaping can be done after flowering to maintain form.

• Mulching:

  • Apply a 5–8 cm mulch around the base each spring, keeping it away from direct contact with the trunk.

• Pest and Disease Resistance: Generally free from serious problems; may occasionally experience scale insects or leaf spot.

• Winter Care: Mature plants are hardy, but in colder areas protect young plants with horticultural fleece.

• Weed Control: Keep the base free of weeds to reduce competition for nutrients and water.

• Container Care Tip: For potted plants, water consistently and feed monthly during the growing season with a balanced liquid fertiliser.

• Longevity: Long-lived and low-maintenance, providing decades of garden beauty.

• Size
  70-80

We currently only deliver within the island of Ireland, other countries can be quoted for by contacting [email protected] or via telephone on 06964084
 

Standard Delivery is FREE on orders over €250*

All standard deliveries will be completed within 5-7 working days via Fastway Couriers, any delay to this delivery time, the customer will be notified by One of our staff.

The in-Store delivery charge will vary compared with online, in-store delivery charge is done on a case by case basis. 

* Only mainland Ireland addresses qualify for free delivery.
 

Live Plants Delivery

Our live plants are packed with care and diligence by our staff, our horticulturists review each plant before despatch to ensure quality is maintained.
Live Plant delivery charges are not calculated on weight but on the space required per package to ensure safe delivery, so delivery charges may vary as some plants require more space than others when packed.
All live plants are despatched within 3-5 working days where possible, our couriers aim to deliver within 48 hours of despatch from our Garden Centre to allow the plant to arrive in healthy condition.
 

Click & Collect

Can’t wait for delivery? Why not try our FREE Click & Collect service? Simply make your purchase online and collect it from our store located in Croagh Co. Limerick. Our staff will contact you by phone when your order is ready for collection (Please allow 24 hours minimum). When collecting your item, call the store on 069-64084. We will then load into your car as required. This service is available in-store 9am – 6pm Monday – Saturday (No collections on Sundays)

Click here for more information about our shipping conditions.

You can pay your online order either by credit card or via Paypal.
If you have any further questions about the online order payment please contact us via ­069 640 84 or mail.