Kay Parris Southern Magnolia

About this plant

The Kay Parris Southern Magnolia (Magnolia grandiflora 'Kay Parris') offers all the grandeur of its Southern Magnolia parent in a more manageable, compact size. This premium cultivar boasts exceptionally glossy, dark green leaves with captivating, rusty-brown undersides, providing year-round interest and a sophisticated backdrop to any landscape. From late spring through summer, 'Kay Parris' adorns itself with exquisite, large, creamy-white flowers that exude a powerful, sweet fragrance. These iconic blooms, often up to 8 inches across, stand out majestically against the dark foliage, making it a focal point in any garden setting. Its naturally dense, pyramidal growth habit requires minimal pruning, ensuring an elegant profile. Ideal for smaller gardens, as a specimen tree, or for creating a luxurious evergreen screen, 'Kay Parris' combines classic beauty with modern landscape versatility. Its robust nature and year-round appeal make it a top choice for discerning gardeners and landscape designers.

Installation timing

When we're in season, outside of the winter months, our goal is to get your plants installed within about two weeks. That window gives us enough time to secure your plants from our supplier and find a spot on the schedule. Throughout the process we stay in touch through notifications and your existing client portal on the main A Cut Above website, which is separate from this landscaping plants shop.

Care & maintenance

Prefers rich, well-draining, acidic soil. Water regularly during establishment and periods of drought. Mulch around the base to retain moisture and regulate soil temperature. Minimal pruning is required, primarily to remove dead or crossing branches. Protect from harsh winter winds in colder zones.

Watering suggestions

Proper watering is the single most important factor in your plant's survival after installation. Newly installed plants have a limited root system and rely on you for consistent moisture while they establish.

• First 2 weeks: Water deeply every day (or every other day in cooler, wet weather), soaking the root ball and surrounding soil.
• Weeks 3–12: Water deeply 2–3 times per week, adjusting for rain, heat, and soil drainage.
• After establishment: Water deeply about once a week during the growing season, and more often in extreme heat or drought.
• How to check: Stick a finger 2–3 inches into the soil near the roots — if it's dry, it's time to water. Deep, less-frequent watering encourages strong roots; shallow daily sprinkles do not.
• Avoid: Overwatering (soggy, waterlogged soil) is just as harmful as underwatering and can drown roots.

Watering needs vary by plant, season, soil, and exposure. Because proper watering is the customer's responsibility after installation, please make sure you understand and can follow these suggestions before ordering.

Good to know: plants and trees purchased from and installed by A Cut Above include a one-year limited warranty from the date of installation. Because plant survival depends heavily on proper watering and care after installation, losses caused by improper care, neglect, animal or chemical damage, or extreme weather are not covered, and we must be given the chance to inspect a struggling plant before it's removed or replaced. Coverage is one replacement per plant. Read our warranty info.