Little Gem Magnolia Tree Pros and Cons, Growth Rate, Problems

The Little Gem Magnolia is a small variant of the Southern Magnolia. From spring through summer, this little tree blooms with wonderful, aromatic blossoms. This evergreen magnolia tree, reaching a height of around 25 feet and a width of 10 to 15 feet, is ideal for individuals who adore the conventional southern magnolia but have limited space. The Little Gem Magnolia is not only tolerant of pollution and salt, but it can also withstand attacks from pests, diseases, and even deer. This hardy tree is a mix of an evergreen tree, a flowering tree, and a canopy tree, so it will add a lot to your yard. 

Much like its parent tree, the Southern Magnolia, the Little Gem bears big, beautiful white flowers. This particular magnolia can be shaped to grow into either a tree or a larger shrub due to its naturally rounded form and low-hanging canopies. The leaves of this magnolia have a unique beauty and attractiveness throughout the year because they have a glossy green top and a warm brown bottom.

This little tree is a lovely addition to any landscaping design. Whether planted in a large bed or a smaller yard, this tree will serve admirably as the main point. For a beautiful appearance that your friends and neighbors will adore, plant the Little Gem Magnolia in clusters of 3 or 5. The Little Gem is the perfect evergreen privacy or windbreak screen if you want something special with aesthetic appeal. This tree makes a great privacy screen because of its shape, low canopy, and dense evergreen leaves.

Pros

• The Little Gem magnolia tree is the most delightful of all the little flowering trees that can be found in South Florida; it is dense, resistant, and exudes a beautiful fragrance.
• There is a widespread belief that the magnificent magnolia flower is responsible for the production of the most potent perfume in nature.
• Little Gem magnolia trees bloom at a young age, which is unique for a magnolia, and they also have a longer blooming season.
• It is adaptable enough to thrive in a wide range of conditions, including near the house.
• It is an extremely cold-hardy tree that thrives in all of South Florida (though it probably prefers cooler places) as well as further north.
• Magnolias have a reputation for being resistant to damage from deer, but we cannot guarantee this.
• They are smaller than the majority of regular magnolias.
• Growth pattern that is neither too slow nor too rapid.

Cons

Magnolias are subject to a number of different diseases and pests, including bacterial leaf spot, magnolia borers, bacterial blight, fungus, necrotic lesions, butt rot, anthracnose, root rot, slugs, larvae, scale insects, plant-hoppers, and caterpillars. 

The most significant problem is the Magnolia Scale. Horticultural oil is a simple solution for controlling this. Lead spot, blight, and black mildew are some additional minor problems that you could have. 

Other drawbacks include:

• When pruned upward, it has a terrible appearance.
• Looks terrible when it doesn't get enough water. 
• Looks terrible when it doesn't get enough water. 
• Not able to tolerate the toxic air of the city

Growth Rate

The Little Gem grows slowly, adding just about 1 1/2 feet every year, and only reaches a height of 20 to 25 feet with a width of 8 to 12 feet. The Little Gem is renowned for its prodigious flowering, which lasts for six months of the year, from May to October. It takes approximately three years to reach full bloom. The Little Gem Magnolia has big saucer-shaped flowers that are a fragrant creamy white color and can reach a width of 8 inches. 

Problems

Little Gem" magnolias are not commonly plagued by pests or illnesses. They are sensitive to verticillium wilt, which can sometimes kill the entire tree. The best way to cure other fungal and bacterial diseases, such as leaf spot, blight, scab, and black mildew, is to trim off diseased branches and pick up and throw away infected leaves. 

Chemical management is rarely necessary for these diseases. Horticultural oil can be used to control magnolia scale, which is the most prevalent bug issue. If the leaves start to yellow, a shortage of iron may be the cause, necessitating iron chelate treatments. If there are too many mineral salts in the soil, they can damage the leaves. This can be fixed by watering the plant heavily and often, as long as the soil drains well.