A: It takes a lot of energy for trees and shrubs to flower which often causes the plant to drop some of its leaves. Magnolias are notorious for leaf drop just before flowering. This is not something you need to worry about since the tree will put out new leaves once the flowering process has ended.

Leaf drop in magnolias is normal in late spring, early summer.

At this time of year, magnolia trees drop their old foliage. A significant number of leaves yellow and fall in late April and May as the trees come into bloom and start producing new growth.

Environmental stresses are usually the result of weather, water, or soil conditions. Magnolias are rather particular about the soil in which they grow and if they don’t get enough nitrogen, they will shed extra leaves.

Foliage of ‘Little Gem’ Southern Magnolia. The five to 8-inch-long, leathery, oblong, shiny leaves are shed as new foliage emerges in the spring. The large, slowly-decomposing leaves drop on the sidewalk or patio and are considered by some people to be messy or a nuisance to clean up.

Most deciduous trees lose their leaves during the fall/winter season, and the deciduous magnolia tree is no exception. Their leaves fall off during the season to help the tree survive through the winter.

Many magnolia species are deciduous, which means that they will lose their leaves in the winter months of the year. Evergreen magnolia trees maintain their leaves during this time of the year. In fact, they will keep most of their leaves (but not all of them) all year round.

Problems. “Little Gem” magnolias are relatively insect- and disease-free. They are susceptible to verticillium wilt, which can kill off branches and occasionally, the entire tree. Magnolia scale is the most common insect problem and can be controlled with horticultural oil.

Plant in well-drained, acidic soil and in full sun or partial shade. Make sure the tree has plenty of room to grow to its full size. Mulch creating a 3-4 inch layer at base but leave room at the trunk of the tree. Water regularly for the first few years until your magnolia is established.

The best time to plant a deciduous (looses its leaves in winter) magnolia is when they are dormant, from December to January.

Similarly, it is asked, why is my little gem magnolia losing leaves? A: It takes a lot of energy for trees and shrubs to flower which often causes the plant to drop some of its leaves. Magnolias are notorious for leaf drop just before flowering.

The large, cream to white, cup-shaped flowers are showy and fragrant and give way to cone clusters from late summer to early fall that release small red-coated seeds. Although the tree itself doesn’t need much maintenance, dropped flowers, cones and leaves can be messy.

Also known as the dwarf Southern magnolia, this tree works well for smaller yards and in lawns, near decks and patios, in planters or as a privacy screen or hedge. “Little Gem” is a low-maintenance tree, tolerant of most conditions and suitable for U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 7 through 10.

Growing to about 25 feet tall and 10 to 15 feet wide this evergreen magnolia tree is a perfect option for those who love the traditional southern magnolia but don’t have the space. The Little Gem Magnolia is even pest, disease, and deer resistant as well as salt and pollution tolerant.