Magnolia grandiflora 'Kay Parris’

Magnolia grandiflora 'Kay Parris': Creamy, Fragrant Blooms with Copper-Velvet Leaves

Magnolia grandiflora 'Kay Parris' is a compact Southern magnolia that brings classic, creamy-white flowers to a more garden-friendly size. Large, fragrant blooms appear at the tips of thick, tough stems, nestled among glossy evergreen leaves with gently wavy margins. Turn a leaf over and you’ll see the real signature: a warm, coppery-velvet underside that adds depth and richness in every season. With a straight trunk and a pyramidal-to-rounded crown, it offers evergreen structure that feels polished and architectural.

Plant Characteristics:

• Height: 15–20’
• Spread: 8–10’
• Flower Colour: Creamy-white
• Flowering Period: Early summer
• Foliage: Evergreen, shiny leaves with wavy margins and coppery-velvet undersides
• Sunlight Requirements: Full Sun
• Soil Requirements: Moist, well-drained soil enriched with organic matter

Uses and Benefits: An excellent specimen tree for entries, patios, and high-visibility planting beds where fragrance and evergreen presence matter. Its compact crown makes it easier to fit into residential landscapes than many Southern magnolias, while still delivering bold leaves and showy bloom. Use it as a year-round focal point, a refined evergreen screen, or a statement tree that brings texture and richness to mixed borders.

Care Instructions: Water regularly during establishment and maintain even moisture during dry summer stretches for best growth and flowering. Mulch helps conserve moisture and protects the root zone. Prune lightly only as needed to shape, ideally after flowering, and avoid heavy pruning which can reduce bloom. A spring top-dressing of compost supports healthy foliage and steady growth, and a sheltered site out of harsh winter wind helps keep the evergreen leaves looking their best.

History: Magnolia grandiflora has long been admired for its evergreen foliage and richly scented blooms. 'Kay Parris' is valued as a compact selection with thick stems, glossy leaves, and distinctive coppery undersides, offering classic Southern magnolia character in a more manageable form.

Final Thoughts: For evergreen structure with fragrance and year-round leaf beauty, Kay Parris brings a refined, luxurious look that makes the garden feel established from the moment it’s planted.