Magnolia ‘Little Gem’ – Desert Horizon Nursery

Magnolia ‘Little Gem’

Magnolia grandiflora 'Little Gem'
Categories:
Trees  ·  
Flowering Trees
Light
Full sun (afternoon shade in low desert)
Water
Moderate to high water needs in Phoenix. Irrigate deeply across the root zone, keeping soil evenly moist but not saturated; increase watering during extreme summer heat. Not suitable for low-water desert irrigation schedules.
Size
20-25 ft tall × 10-12 ft wide
Habit
Upright tree – single-trunk
Toxicity
Non-toxic
Description
A compact southern magnolia cultivar with glossy evergreen leaves, rusty-brown undersides, and fragrant white flowers. Can grow in Phoenix with protection from extreme heat and careful soil and irrigation management.
Bloom Time
Late spring through summer
Deciduous / Evergreen
Evergreen
Special Features
Fragrant
Growth Rate
Moderate
Growth Habit
Upright tree – single-trunk
Mature Size
20-25 ft tall × 10-12 ft wide
Flower Color
White
Foliage Color
Dark green above / rusty brown beneath
Landscape Use
Container / Patio, Desert / Xeriscape, Hedge / Screen, Specimen / Accent
Garden Style
Desert / Xeriscape, Hedge / Formal
Soil
Amended / Rich, Prefers Acidic, Well-Drained
Companion Plants
Irrigated beds, Liriope, Mondo grass, Society garlic
Non-toxic
Non-toxic
Care Instructions

Light: Morning sun with afternoon shade is best in Phoenix; avoid reflected heat from west-facing walls and pavement.

Water: Moderate to high water needs in Phoenix. Irrigate deeply across the root zone, keeping soil evenly moist but not saturated; increase watering during extreme summer heat. Not suitable for low-water desert irrigation schedules.

Soil: Well-drained, organically enriched soil; prefers slightly acidic conditions. Phoenix’s alkaline soils can cause nutrient deficiencies. Apply 2–3 inches of organic mulch, keeping it away from the trunk.

Mature size: Typically 15–25 feet tall and 8–12 feet wide; older specimens may reach 30 feet tall.

Bloom: Primarily late spring through summer, with occasional repeat blooms into fall under favorable conditions.

Evergreen / deciduous: Evergreen; sheds older leaves seasonally.

Growth rate: Slow to moderate; growth may slow in Phoenix’s heat and alkaline soil.