How big does a little gem magnolia get?
Magnolia grandiflora ‘Little Gem’ SIZE: Moderate growing; reaches 20 to 25 ft. These trees are native to North America and are absolutely magnificent specimens but they also need plenty of room to grow. Little Gem’ is a dwarf cultivar of the Southern Magnolia and it can potentially grow to heights of 25-30 feet with a spread of 10 to 12 feet.Little Gem magnolia trees grow slowly. They add about 1 1/2 feet per year. First Year: Growth is mainly in height. Expect around 12-18 inches of vertical growth.Planting: Plant your Little Gem Magnolia in an area that receives full to partial sunlight (4 to 8 hours of sunlight per day). Although Little Gem Magnolias prefer full sun, they can tolerate shade. For a privacy screen or hedge, plant your Little Gem Magnolias about 5 feet apart.All the charm of a southern magnolia in a smaller size, the little gem magnolia is a popular ornamental choice for people living in hardiness zones 6 through 10. It is often used as a standout landscape specimen, to add evergreen beauty near decks and patios, as a floral screen or hedge, and in large containers.
How fast do magnolia little gem grow?
It grows less than 12” annually, but blooms in as quickly as 2-3 years with frequent, fragrant blossoms in its initial years. The little gem likes lots of sun and partial shade. Also having moderate drought and flooding tolerance, this small tree likes acidic, moist, peaty, and well-drained soils. Little Gem Magnolia Tree Growth Rate It has a slow growth rate of fewer than 12 inches every year and it can take around 20 years for a dwarf Little Gem magnolia tree to reach full maturity, giving you more time to enjoy the scent of its summer flowers.Often seen as a long term investment due to their slow growing nature, magnolias can take 10-20 years to reach their ultimate size. However the good news is that once they’ve settled in, they don’t require too much maintenance.Growth Rate: This cultivar grows at a moderate pace compared to other magnolias. It can grow between 30-60 cm (1-2 feet) per year under ideal conditions.Magnolia. There appears to be limited information about Little Gem life expectancy however dwarf trees usually last considerably less generally 25-50years. The year range varied across websites for Little Gem with some sites stating 30-40 years others up to 70 years.
What is the lifespan of a little gem magnolia?
What is the lifespan of a little gem magnolia? There is limited information available on the exact lifespan of these trees, however, dwarf trees usually last a lot shorter than their larger counterparts, generally around 25 to 50 years. How close to the house can you plant a little gem magnolia? If planting a Little Gem Magnolia hedge, space the flowering trees at around 4 feet which is a little closer so the trees mesh and provide some seclusion. They are the perfect small trees for privacy if you are not looking for height.A magnolia bush or tree is a long-term investment – they are slow growing and can take 10-20 years to reach their ultimate size. It’s therefore worth taking the time to choose the right variety for your garden. The flowers, ultimate size and the conditions in your garden will determine which magnolia you grow.The Magnolia Little Gem is a smaller tree, reaching a maximum height of around 6 meters at maturity. In contrast, the Teddy Bear Magnolia can grow up to 10 meters tall. Both trees are hardy and can withstand tough conditions, but the Teddy Bear Magnolia is generally considered to be more disease-resistant.
What is the root problem with little gem magnolias?
While a ‘Little Gem’ is smaller than the big momma of Magnolias in the same grandiflora variety, it’s still a hardwood tree with a root system that is always looking for moisture. Those planted right up next to the foundation could die because of a lack of water. These trees have root systems that are typically not as aggressive or deep as those of other large tree species, such as oaks. Generally, the roots of magnolia trees are relatively shallow, spreading laterally close to the soil surface.A five or six year old southern magnolia should be taller than four feet. If it was seed planted, it may have gotten a slow start. If it was planted as a container plant, I would guess that something is impeding its root growth.But what about the common concern: Are Little Gem Magnolia roots invasive? Fortunately, their root system is generally non-invasive, making them a safe choice for planting near structures.While a ‘Little Gem’ is smaller than the big momma of Magnolias in the same grandiflora variety, it’s still a hardwood tree with a root system that is always looking for moisture. Those planted right up next to the foundation could die because of a lack of water.
What are the disadvantages of a magnolia tree?
Cons of Magnolias Shallow roots: Magnolias have shallow root systems, which can make them susceptible to damage from strong winds or nearby construction. Messy fallen leaves and flowers: Evergreen magnolias drop large glossy leaves year-round, while deciduous varieties shed both leaves and flowers in the fall. Most magnolias, either trees or shrubs, don’t like to be surrounded by many other plants, so find an open space to plant your tree. Magnolias prefer some room to spread, so avoid planting them too close to structures,” says Torchio.Best Plants To Grow With Magnolia Tree Top contenders include Dogwood, Japanese Cherry, Hosta, and Sweet Flag. Be mindful of blooming schedules and select companion plants that either bloom simultaneously for a dazzling display or at alternate times for consistent color.Magnolias need full sun to part shade position, sheltered from hot afternoon sun and strong winds. Magnolias prefer a moist, but free-draining soil that’s slightly acidic.Unlike some other tree species, the magnolia can survive being pruned and even benefit from it.
Where is the best place to plant a little gem magnolia tree?
Plant little gem magnolia in a location that receives at least six hours of bright direct sunlight daily. The tree benefits from several hours of afternoon shade. Organically rich loamy soil that drains well is ideal. They also drop old petals when they are in bloom and seed cones in late summer and fall. Large standard magnolias can be messy as a result. The smaller size of the Little Gem, however, means less leaf litter to deal with.Generally, magnolias are considered moderate to fast-growing trees, but this can change based on the type of magnolia and the care it receives. On average, once a magnolia tree is established, you can expect it to grow about 1 to 2 feet per year.Generally, magnolia trees only bloom once per year. Because of the wide variety of magnolia trees you might see magnolias blooming anywhere from March to August. Southern Magnolias bloom in May or June and will have a few blooms that blossom throughout the summer months.Deciduous magnolias To keep trees healthy – remove any dead, damaged or diseased wood. See our guide to light pruning. To reduce a tree’s size – aim to maintain an open, balanced crown by thinning out stems to the trunk or to a sideshoot. Stage the pruning over several years to avoid stressing the tree.