It's magnolia season in the south. In the arboretum you can find fragrant flowers of both sweetbay magnolia (Magnolia virginiana) and flowering magnolia (Magnolia grandiflora). Our big-leaf magnolias (M. macrophylla) are not yet producing flowers.
Driving around Shreveport and Bossier City, we primarily see examples of the flowering magnolia. In the older neighborhoods, it's apparent that there was once a popular movement to plant them. As a result, there are hundreds of mature examples of this species right here in town. You might notice an enormous magnolia filling out the entire front yard of a house. It's hard to say what cultivars were used, since many were available even seventy years ago. One major change has occurred: a steep decline in the number of full-size cultivars being planted. Large flowering magnolias have fallen out of favor, with homeowners and commercial properties now giving preference to dwarf varieties. One such cultivar, 'Little Gem', is a particular favorite.
There are two 'Little Gem' magnolias in the arboretum collection. In 2000, two trees were donated to the college. Both reside outside of the arboretum proper. They are located near Crumley Gardens, between Crumley and Rotary Hall. One such tree is pictured below.
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This 'Little Gem' magnolia was donated to the college in 2000. It grows in full sun in the middle of the grassy lawn between Crumley Gardens and Rotary Hall. After more than 20 years of growth, it is a little over 10 feet tall.
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Flowers are creamy white and very fragrant. Leaves have an elliptic shape and come to a point. Leaves are shiny and emerald green on the upper surface, and underneath they are covered in soft, rust-colored fibers. Note: The flower, in this photo and the following photo, has taken on a bronze color due to several hours having elapsed since it was cut.
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Compared to flowers you might find in a residential garden, the 'Little Gem' flower is large. This one measures nearly 7 inches across.
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But compared to the full-size flowering magnolia cultivars, 'Little Gem' flowers and leaves are significantly smaller, and the leaves in particular have a different shape. Some sources claim that the 'Little Gem' carries hints of lemon in their scent.
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Pictured left, we see the traditional Magnolia grandiflora. This is the flower you'll find on really big trees in older neighborhoods. On the right, we see the smaller 'Little Gem' cultivar; this is the flower you see in new development, such as parking lots around businesses constructed within the past 25 years.
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