Southern magnolias, Magnolia grandiflora, are massive native trees suited for plantation, farm, or public garden properties. Most home gardens are too small to plant the celebrated species. Homeowners desire more compact splendor.
In the 1950s, Warren Steed of Steed Nurseries in Cantor, N.C. was propagating southern magnolia seedlings from seed. He discovered a compact seedling and spent much of his life selectively breeding to develop ‘Little Gem’, a compact upright pyramidal-shaped evergreen magnolia with a mature height of 20-30’ and 10-15’ wide spread, less than half the dimensions of the species.
The dark glossy green elliptical leaves are 5” long and 2” wide with cinnamon-brown underside. Showy fragrant white waxy flowers 4- 5” in diameter appear on trees as young as two to three years old and bloom from May to October. Fuzzy brown cones follow blooms, ripening in fall and winter to disclose red seeds, which are consumed by birds and other wildlife and saved by gardeners for propagation.
Magnolia ‘Little Gem’ presents showy fragrant waxy white flowers from May to October.
Propagation is by cuttings taken in summer, seed, or grafting. Few pests and diseases affect the cultivar. Magnolias are deer resistant.
Because of its small stature and evergreen foliage, ‘Little Gem’ has many landscape uses.
Municipalities like Columbia welcome visitors with ‘Little Gem’ when entering the city on 126 between the zoo exit and Broad River Bridge where a row of magnolias conceals a chain link fence along Rivermont Drive. ‘Little Gem’ soldiers line a portion of Knox Abbot Drive in West Columbia. Used as a screen, ‘Little Gem’ masks a parking lot and absorbs sound along the railroad track across from Irmo High School on St. Andrew’s Road.
The small tree can separate multistory city condominium and apartment homes on narrow lots. Young trees can be sited in large pots or in ground planters. USC landscaping uses the compact tree in accent and specimen spots on Gibbes Green. Coastal Science and Engineering placed a trio of the petite magnolia across the front of their property. With proper pruning, the tree can make an interesting espalier. For single-family dwellings, ‘Little Gem’ makes an excellent front yard accent tree.
‘Little Gem’ on Gibbes Green at USC
Winter is the ideal planting time for trees. Site ‘Little Gem’ in full sun to part shade in USDA hardiness zones 7-10A. The tree thrives in a moist, well-drained, organically rich loam but tolerates clay and sandy soils. Since it grows well with azaleas and camellias, ‘Little Gem’ prefers acidic soils.
With all the great attributes of the southern magnolia in compact form, Steed’s cultivar really is a ‘Little Gem’.
Used as a screen ‘Little Gem’ absorbs sound while providing privacy, shade, and an evergreen view.
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