We have moved into a new house recently which has what I'm pretty sure are two Little Gems against the fence in what is a fairly small backyard. These were put there by the landscapers before the place was sold, so I'm guessing all this; they do seem to have all the necessary characteristics, though - shiny green leaves on top, rusty brown underneath, about the right dimensions (so far, they are just below fence height) etc.
I don't know too much about Little Gems, though I did read on the Net that they don't usually have too many problems. However, these two look as the buds areforming, and plenty of them, but then being eaten out at the top.
I would be glad if someone can tell me if that is what's happening and, if so, what I should be doing for them, as I would hate to miss out on what's to come if that is the case.