Magnolia Grandiflora Little Gem #15

Love the grandeur of a classic Southern Magnolia, but don't have the acreage of a historic plantation to put it on? You need the 'Little Gem'.

This is the solution for homeowners in King, Winston-Salem, and the Piedmont Triad who want that iconic Southern charm without the overwhelming footprint. While the standard Magnolia grandiflora can swallow a whole front yard, the 'Little Gem' is polite, compact, yet just as hardworking. It offers the same glossy, dark green leaves with that signature bronze underside, just on a scale that fits modern landscaping.

One of the best things about this variety is its eagerness to bloom. While its larger cousins can take a decade to produce their first flower, 'Little Gem' is an early bloomer--often flowering when only two or three years old. It produces creamy white, lemon-scented flowers that are roughly 3–6 inches wide.

Why we recommend them for NC yards:

• Right-Sized Royalty: It tops out around 20–25 feet tall and stays narrow (10–12 feet), making it perfect for tighter spaces where you need vertical height without a massive canopy.

• The Marathon Bloomer: Most magnolias give you one big show in May. 'Little Gem' keeps the party going. It blooms heavily in late spring and then continues to produce some flowers right up until the first frost hits the Piedmont.

• Instant Screening: Because it grows densely and keeps its leaves year-round, it acts as a fantastic privacy screen between you and the neighbors--much prettier than a wooden fence.

Best Used For: Tall privacy screens, patio accents (where you can smell the blooms), corner foundation plantings, or even large containers.

The 'Little Gem' thrives in full sun to partial shade and handles our local soil well once established. It is a slow-to-moderate grower that requires little pruning to keep its naturally columnar shape. For more deep dives on evergreen magnolias, you can check the NC State Extension Plant Toolbox 'Little Gem', or just chat with us next time you're at the nursery.