Magnolia grand. 'Little Gem' 2 Ltr pot

Planting Magnolia grandiflora ‘Little Gem’ (2L Pot)

Magnolia grandiflora ‘Little Gem’ is a compact, evergreen magnolia prized for its glossy dark green leaves with rusty-brown undersides and large, fragrant white flowers. Supplied in a 2L pot, it is perfect for smaller gardens, patios, or as a feature plant.

Choosing the right position

• Prefers full sun to partial shade
• Best flowering occurs in a warm, sunny, sheltered position
• Ideal for borders, patios, or as a specimen tree
• Suitable for smaller gardens due to its compact habit
• Protect from strong winds, especially when young

Soil requirements

• Thrives in moist, well-drained, slightly acidic to neutral soil
• Prefers fertile, humus-rich conditions
• Avoid chalky or strongly alkaline soils
• Does not tolerate waterlogged conditions
• Improve soil with ericaceous compost or organic matter before planting

How to plant

• Dig a hole twice the width of the root ball and similar depth
• Soak the root ball before planting
• Position the plant so the root ball sits level with the soil surface
• Backfill with enriched soil and firm gently
• Water thoroughly after planting
• Apply a mulch to retain moisture and improve soil

Planting in containers

• Use a large container with good drainage holes
• Fill with ericaceous or loam-based compost
• Ensure adequate space for root development
• Water well after planting
• Place in a sunny, sheltered position

Ongoing Care and Maintenance

Magnolia ‘Little Gem’ is relatively low maintenance but benefits from consistent care during establishment.

Watering

• Water regularly during the first few years
• Keep soil consistently moist, especially in dry periods
• Container plants require more frequent watering
• Avoid letting the soil dry out completely
• Ensure good drainage to prevent root problems

Feeding

• Apply an ericaceous or balanced fertiliser in spring
• Mulch annually with compost or leaf mould
• Container plants benefit from regular liquid feeding
• Avoid excessive feeding, which can reduce flowering

Pruning

• Requires minimal pruning due to its natural shape
• Remove dead or damaged branches as needed
• Lightly shape after flowering if necessary
• Avoid heavy pruning, as magnolias dislike it
• Use clean, sharp tools

Mulching

• Apply organic mulch in spring
• Helps retain moisture and regulate soil temperature
• Improves soil structure over time
• Keep mulch away from direct contact with the trunk

Seasonal Care and Common Issues

With the right care, Magnolia ‘Little Gem’ will provide year-round interest and beautiful flowers.

Seasonal performance

• Evergreen foliage provides structure all year
• Produces large, fragrant white flowers from summer onwards
• Flowers may appear intermittently throughout the season
• Compact growth makes it suitable for smaller spaces

Winter care

• Hardy in mild climates but may need protection when young
• Protect from cold winds and severe frost
• Mulch in autumn to protect roots
• Ensure soil remains well-drained during winter

Common problems

• Yellowing leaves may indicate alkaline soil or nutrient deficiency
• Leaf scorch can occur in dry or exposed conditions
• Poor flowering may result from lack of sunlight or feeding
• Generally pest-resistant
• Root disturbance can stress the plant, so avoid moving once established

Magnolia grandiflora ‘Little Gem’ is an elegant and manageable evergreen tree that offers year-round structure and beautiful, fragrant blooms. Its compact size makes it ideal for modern gardens, patios, and smaller spaces. With a sheltered position, suitable soil, and consistent care, it will thrive and become a stunning focal point for many years.

• Size
  2 Ltr pot

Kindly be aware when mix/ mixed/ assorted/ varieties is mention you will receive ONLY ONE plant/ item, which will be selected for delivery, photos may show different varieties available - which may also vary 

 
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 DPD 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.