The Little Gem Magnolia is a slow-growing hybrid (cultivar) of the Magnolia grandiflora that is sometimes called a "dwarf". It will get tall (up to 40', usually less), but not nearly as tall as the M. grandiflora (which can get over 80' tall), and it grows very slowly. It may grow to be 8 - 10' wide. It has blooms on it when it is very young, as opposed to the original Magnolia grandiflora growing in the wilds which sometimes takes 15-20 years to bloom. They bloom when very small, and often bloom in off seasons.

These magnolias are prized for small lawns, and their popularity is growing. They are producing different varieties of the Little Gem now.

It looks a little different from the traditional Magnolia Grandiflora that is the "Southern Magnolia". They don't shave quite the branch spread as a M. grandiflora. The leaves are smaller and some have more "golden rust" color on the underside. The blossoms are smaller, also, although they look like the blossoms on the M. grandiflora.