What Plants to Plant with Little Gem Magnolia Tree

The Little Gem magnolia tree is a popular plant among gardeners around the world for its lush foliage and stunning flowers. But what makes this tree stand out is its adaptability to different types of soil and weather conditions. With its compact size, Little Gem magnolia is perfect for small gardens or as a foreground tree. If you're planning to grow a Little Gem magnolia tree in your garden, here are some of the best plants that you can grow with it.

1. Hostas

Hostas are shade-loving plants that complement Little Gem magnolias perfectly. These plants produce large, lush leaves and beautiful flowers that add texture and color to any garden. Hostas also help to create a natural boundary between the tree and the rest of the plants in the garden. Some of the best hostas that you can grow with Little Gem magnolia include H. ‘Blue Angel’, H. ‘Honeybells’, and H. ‘June’.

2. Ferns

If you want to create a woodland garden, you can't go wrong with ferns. These plants are perfect for growing under the canopy of Little Gem magnolia trees. Ferns thrive in moist soil and partial shade, making them the perfect companion plant for Little Gem magnolias. Some of the best ferns to grow with Little Gem magnolia include Athyrium x ‘Ghost’, Matteuccia struthiopteris, and Polystichum polyblepharum.

3. Azaleas

Azaleas are another beautiful plant that can be grown with Little Gem magnolia trees. These plants produce stunning flowers that come in a wide range of colors, including pink, red, white, and purple. Azaleas thrive in partial shade and well-draining soil, making them the perfect companion plant for Little Gem magnolias. Some of the best azaleas to grow with Little Gem magnolia include A. ‘Crimson Tide’, A. ‘Conversation Piece’, and A. ‘Gumpo Pink’.

4. Hydrangeas

Hydrangeas are another excellent plant to grow with Little Gem magnolia trees. These plants produce large, beautiful flowers that come in a wide range of colors, including blue, pink, and white. Hydrangeas prefer partial shade and well-draining soil, making them the perfect companion plant for Little Gem magnolias. Some of the best hydrangeas to grow with Little Gem magnolia include H. ‘Endless Summer’, H. ‘Nikko Blue’, and H. ‘Pia’.

5. Japanese Maples

For a touch of elegance in your garden, you can't go wrong with Japanese maples. These plants produce beautiful foliage that comes in a wide range of colors, including red, green, and purple. Japanese maples prefer partial shade and well-draining soil, making them the perfect companion plant for Little Gem magnolias. Some of the best Japanese maples to grow with Little Gem magnolia include Acer palmatum ‘Emperor I’, Acer palmatum ‘Little Sango’, and Acer palmatum ‘Dissectum’.

In conclusion, Little Gem magnolia trees are versatile, compact, and perfect for any small or large garden. The plants listed above are just a few of the best plants that you can grow with Little Gem magnolia. With the right companion plants, you can create a beautiful, lush garden that showcases the beauty of this stunning tree.