Don showed an evergreen magnolia (Magnolia grandiflora) in flower. The evergreen magnolia, or Bull Bay magnolia as it is commonly known, grows to around 20m (60′) in cultivation. It has dark, glossy green leaves with a rusty reverse, and large white, lemon scented flowers. It grows best in Adelaide, Brisbane, Melbourne, Perth, Sydney and the tropics. In cooler zones it needs a warm, sheltered position.
‘Little Gem’ is a dwarf variety of the evergreen magnolia. It has many of the attributes of its parent, including large white fragrant flowers, but it is a smaller, more compact plant. ‘Little Gem’ will reach approximately 4m (12′) in height and 2.5m (8′) in width.
Cost: Magnolia grandiflora approximately $18 for a 200mm (8″) pot. ‘Little Gem’ expect to pay $25-$40 for plants in 200mm (8″) pots.