Magnolia grandiflora 'Little Gem'
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.