Little Gem Magnolia Tree Care

The Little Gem magnolia is also known as the Magnolia Grandiflora and is a variety of the Southern Magnolia tree. It is a tree that is indigenous to the southern parts of North America. It is a fast growing tree, and grows in a manner that is upright but pyramidal. Many believe that it is almost shrub-like because of its height. It begins to flower at an early age, though the blooming period is longer, producing beautiful white, fragrant, cup-shaped flowers, from the period of mid spring into summer. The fruit of the Little Gem Magnolia tree is pink in color, which is visible from early to late fall. This tree can be considered as an ornamental tree, and can also be grown for the purpose of shade because of its structure, as landscaping elements for gardens and back yards. Here, we talk about its care instructions, and the problems that it is a susceptible to.

Care Instructions

Little Gem Magnolia height can vary anywhere between 20 feet to 30 feet upon maturity, and its spread will cover about 15 feet. Its cover begins from 3 feet above the ground. You should be careful while planting the Little Gem Magnolia, as its growth should not interfere with power lines. The Little Gem Magnolia growth rate is not very high, as it continues to grow at a medium rate, and continues to survive for up to 70 years.

This tree grows best when exposed to full sun, but will also grow well in partial shade. For its ideal growth conditions, the soil should be acidic, well-drained and evenly moist. Even then, there are no particular specifications for the soil type required for the growth of the Little Gem Magnolia tree. If allowed to remain in standing water, it is bound to die. The tree is very sensitive to pollution, and therefore, should not be planted by the street, or in a heavily polluted city or zone. Since it thrives better in southern climates, in the cold, apply a thick mulch around the roots of the tree, to protect its exposed portions.

The Little Gem Magnolia tree is relatively low maintenance, but is easily susceptible to mold and fungus. To prevent this problem, it requires a regular pruning process during early spring. The pruning of this tree should be carried out only after flowering, to prevent the flowers of the current season. While pruning, the tallest branches of the tree, that are growing vertically, should be cut off to allow the plant to increase its spread.

Problems

As mentioned earlier, though low-maintenance, the Little Gem Magnolia requires care in terms of preventing it from the various diseases it is prone to. Any disease may be identified by the following symptoms.

• Leaf spots can be caused by various bacteria and fungi, that start off with the development of yellow spots on the trees, and soon transform into gray and brown. This disease can be further spread in a humid climate, excess moisture, and the presence of insects. To eliminate this problem, it is essential to use fungicides on the tree.
• Another problem that this tree is prone to is known as Verticillium Wilt, a condition that attacks the roots of the tree, and eventually cause the branches to wilt. This problem can even lead to the death of the tree, as once the branches begin to wilt, so do the leaves, after turning a yellow or red color. This problem cannot be eliminated but definitely prevented, by using a fertilizer that has low nitrogen and high potassium levels, and by watering it regularly.
• Lastly, a condition that affects the bark of the Little Gem Magnolia tree is known as Canker disease. This condition manifests itself in the form of circular abrasions on the bark of the tree. It usually is transmitted from open wounds on the tree, and can spread and eventually kill the tree. To eliminate it, the tree is to be pruned beyond the affected area. Moreover, the affected portion should be separated from the tree to prevent further spread of this disease.

Even though you do not have to be extremely particular while taking care of the Little Gem Magnolia, it is still essential to prevent all the problems mentioned above, that take the life out of this beautiful tree. Plant this beautiful tree to bring the beauty and bounty of nature into your own home.