Kay Parris Magnolia - Fragrant Evergreen Magnolia Tree | 20-30 Feet Tall, Individual Plants

Add classic southern beauty and year-round evergreen elegance to your landscape with the Kay Parris Magnolia. This improved Southern Magnolia variety is prized for its glossy dark green leaves with rich copper-brown undersides and its fragrant creamy white blooms. Known for its compact upright growth and excellent cold hardiness, Kay Parris Magnolia offers the timeless appeal of traditional magnolias in a more manageable landscape tree.

Throughout late spring and summer, the tree produces large creamy white flowers that release a sweet citrus-like fragrance. The blossoms contrast beautifully against the glossy evergreen foliage, creating a stunning display in the garden. With its dense branching and naturally attractive form, Kay Parris Magnolia delivers year-round structure, fragrance, and classic magnolia beauty.

Why You'll Love the Kay Parris Magnolia

Large Fragrant Magnolia Blooms: Creamy white flowers appear from late spring through summer with a pleasant citrus-like fragrance.

Beautiful Evergreen Foliage: Glossy green leaves with copper-colored undersides provide year-round color and texture.

Compact Southern Magnolia Variety: Growing 20 to 30 feet tall and 10 to 15 feet wide at maturity, making it ideal for residential landscapes.

Cold Hardy Magnolia: More cold tolerant than many traditional Southern Magnolia varieties.

Kay Parris Magnolia Details

Botanical Name: Magnolia grandiflora 'Kay Parris'
Type: Evergreen ornamental tree
Mature Size: 20-30' tall × 10-15' wide (upright pyramidal habit)
Growth Rate: Moderate growth rate
Light: Full sun to partial shade
Soil: Well-drained soil rich in organic matter
Water: Water regularly until established, moderate drought tolerance once mature
USDA Hardiness Zones: 6, 7, 8, 9

Growing Conditions

Soil Adaptability: Performs best in well-drained soil enriched with organic matter but adapts to sandy, loamy, or moderately clay soils. Avoid consistently wet planting areas.

Light Requirements: Thrives in full sun for the best flowering and growth but tolerates partial shade.

Hardiness: USDA zones 6-9, making it more cold tolerant than many other Southern Magnolia varieties.

Care Instructions

Watering: Water regularly during the first growing season to establish roots. Once established, this tree becomes moderately drought tolerant.

Pruning: Minimal pruning required. Remove damaged or crossing branches in late winter to maintain healthy structure.

Fertilizing: Apply a balanced slow-release fertilizer in early spring to promote healthy foliage growth and flower production.

Landscaping Uses

Versatile Applications: Kay Parris Magnolia’s evergreen foliage and fragrant blooms make it suitable for: specimen plantings, privacy screens, foundation plantings, southern gardens, and landscape focal points.

Fragrant Garden Centerpiece: Its glossy foliage and fragrant flowers make it an excellent focal tree for lawns, entryways, or garden beds.

Frequently Asked Questions

How far apart should I plant Kay Parris Magnolia? Space trees 12 to 15 feet apart on center to allow room for mature canopy growth.

When does Kay Parris Magnolia bloom? It typically blooms from late spring through summer depending on climate conditions.

Is Kay Parris Magnolia evergreen? Yes, it maintains its glossy green foliage year round, providing continuous structure and color in the landscape.