Kay Parris Cold Hardy Southern Magnolia

Magnolia grandiflora ‘Kay Parris’

Plant Details

USDA Plant Hardiness Zones: 6a-9b Find Your Zone

Plant Type: Evergreen Flowering Tree

Height at Maturity: 20-25′

Width at Maturity: 8-10′

Spacing: 6-8′ for solid hedge; 16’+ for space between plants

Growth Habit / Form: Conical, Dense, Upright

Flower Color: White

Flower Size: Large, 6-8″

Flowering Period: Late Spring – Summer

Flower Type: Single

Fragrant Flowers: Yes – extremely fragrant!

Foliage Color: Dark Green, Orange-Copper undersides

Fragrant Foliage: No

Sun Needs: Full Sun or Mostly Sun, Morning Sun with Dappled or Afternoon Shade, All Day Filtered Sun, Morning Shade with Evening Sun

Water Needs: Average, Low when established

Soil Type: Clay (amended), Loam, Sand (amended), Silt

Soil Moisture / Drainage: Well Drained Moist

Soil pH: 4.5 – 7.5 (Acid to Slightly Alkaline)

Maintenance / Care: Low

Attracts: Visual Attention

Resistances: Deer, Disease, Drought, Heat, Humidity, Insect

Description

Considered to be one of the very best and most cold hardy of the evergreen Southern Magnolias, now gardeners as far north as USDA Zone 6a can enjoy a southern magnolia! ‘Kay Parris’ is a relative newcomer with branching that is a more compact and dense than other varieties, which makes it more snow and ice resistant. Appearing late spring throughout summer, large 7 to 8 inch diameter flowers are extremely fragrant, filling the landscape with that wonderful lemony aroma typical of other southern magnolias. The flowers of Kay Parris stand out remarkably well against the background wavy, extremely glossy leaves that are dark green on top with orange-copper velvety undersides. With a dense, conical form up to 25 feet in height with a spread of about 10 feet, Kay Paris is a fine selection for evergreen privacy screen plantings or to frame the corners of tall homes.

Landscape & Garden Uses

Growing upright to 20 to 25 feet tall and 8 to 10 feet wide, Kay Parris Magnolia has many uses in the landscape. We use it most often in evergreen privacy screen plantings, as a focal point specimen, to frame the corners of tall homes or other structures, or as espalier (trained to grow against a wall) on tall, open walls. Can also be grown in large pots, planters and containers of 18 inches or more in rim diameter. A fine addition to fragrance gardens, white theme gardens, bird & wildlife gardens and cottage gardens.

Suggested Spacing: 6 to 8 feet for solid privacy screens; 16 feet or more for space between trees

See: Privacy Screen Planting Tips & Instructions

Growing Preferences

Kay Parris Magnolia is very easy to grow in most any average moist but well-drained soil, preferring one that is rich in organic matter. It grows well in full sun, part shade or all-day filtered sun. For best density of foliage and flowering, we suggest 4 hours or more of direct sunlight per day. Very low maintenance and never requires pruning. That said, stray branches can be pruned for shaping purposes.

Helpful Articles

Click on a link below to find helpful advice from our experts on how to plant, prune, feed and water Southern Magnolia trees.

How To Plant & Care For Southern Magnolia Trees

Privacy Screen Design Planting Tips & Instructions

Plant Long & Prosper!

Meet The Wilson Brothers & Staff

Questions? Contact Us

Ordering was easy. Tree showed up healthy and earlier than expected. In the ground for 2 weeks and has already flowered and has new growth. Would definitely purchase from Wilson Bros. again!——————————————————————Thanks for the kind words and wonderful review! We are so glad you are pleased and we hope you enjoy it for years to come! 🙂 Beth Steele | WBG

We are very impressed with the quality and service from Wilson Bros. The packaging was sturdy. Arrived within a week. Currently the plant is thriving and growing with one bud that we are eagerly awaiting its bloom. Anticipate ordering camellias later this summer.————————————————————————–We are so glad you are pleased and we hope you enjoy it for years to come! Thanks for the kind words and great review! 🙂 Beth Steele | WBG

My magnolia came beautifully packaged and we planted it in a large pot for now. Want to be able to figure out best location to put it permanently.—————————–Thanks for the photo! We are so glad you are pleased and we hope you enjoy it for years to come! Thanks for the great review! 🙂 Beth Steele | WBG

This tree came packaged perfectly and was very large and healthy upon arrival. It has adjusted very well to its growing site and is thriving!——————————Thanks for the great review! Beth | WBG

I have ordered a lot of plants online over the years from many different companies. The shipping speed and quality of packing the plant by Wilson Bros was top of the line. The plant itself was one I had been chasing for a while, and it was in perfect condition! I would definitely order again! Thanks—————————–Hi Shawn, Thanks so much for taking the time to provide your review of the Kay Parris Magnolia. We are so glad you are pleased and we hope you enjoy it for years to come! Thanks for the great review! 🙂
Beth Steele | Wilson Bros Gardens

Just a brief note of thanks. All items ordered and shipped arrived today in beautiful condition.
Very carefully packed and shipped.
Thank you again.———————————————-Hi Christopher, Thanks so much for taking the time to provide your review of the Kay Parris Magnolia. We are so glad you are pleased and we hope you enjoy it for years to come! Thanks for the kind words! 🙂
Beth Steele | Wilson Bros Gardens