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Trees · Magnolias

Southern Magnolia 'Little Gem'

Magnolia Grandiflora 'Little Gem'

Panther Creek plant details (wholesale reference)

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Overview

Magnolia grandiflora, commonly known as the southern magnolia or bull bay, is a tree of the family Magnoliaceae native to the Southeastern United States, from Virginia to central Florida, and west to East Texas.

It is a reliable choice for smaller beds, borders, or foundation plantings in the Triangle. Between the clay soil and humid summers, this tree stands out for its showy flowers and overall landscape durability.

At a glance

Sun

  • Full sun
  • Part sun / part shade

Water & soil

  • Well-drained soil
  • Acidic soil

Flowers & fragrance

  • Showy flowers
  • Fragrant

Foliage & season

  • Notable foliage
  • Evergreen

Habit & use

  • Compact habit

Best landscape uses

Best landscape uses

  • smaller beds, borders, or foundation plantings
  • seasonal flower display

Growing & care

Practical notes for establishment and seasonal care in the Triangle—adjust for local soil tests and microclimate.

Light

Full sun to Part sun / part shade

Watering Procedure

Water at the base until the root zone is saturated (usually 45-60 seconds for new plants). Check the top inch of soil; if dry, it's time to water again.

Planting & Soil

Thrives in well-drained soil, acidic soil. Dig your hole twice as wide as the root ball but no deeper. Mix 30% compost with your native clay backfill to open up the soil—this helps the roots breathe and prevents water from pooling. Planting 'slightly high' also ensures the roots stay healthy.

Fertilization

Use a fertilizer designed for acid-loving plants in spring. In the Raleigh area, a light application of compost can also help buffer our native soil pH.

Pruning / upkeep

Prune shortly after the flowers fade. This ensures you aren't cutting off the buds for next year's bloom cycle.

Common questions

Does Southern Magnolia 'Little Gem' lose its leaves in winter?

No, Southern Magnolia 'Little Gem' is an evergreen tree and retains its foliage year-round.

How much sun does Southern Magnolia 'Little Gem' need?

It performs best in full sun, meaning it prefers at least 6 hours of direct sunlight each day.

Reference context includes Wikipedia (“Magnolia grandiflora”), licensed under CC BY-SA.