Kay Parris Magnolia

The Kay Parris Magnolia is a compact, evergreen tree known for its glossy, dark green leaves and fragrant, creamy white flowers. Here's how to plant and care for this beautiful magnolia variety:

Planting Kay Parris Magnolia

Choose the Right Location:

• Sunlight: Prefers full sun to partial shade. It can tolerate some shade but blooms best in full sun.
• Soil: Requires well-draining, slightly acidic soil. It can adapt to different soil types, including loamy, sandy, and clay, but it should not be waterlogged.
• Space: Kay Parris Magnolia grows up to 20-25 feet tall and 8-10 feet wide, so plant it where it has room to spread without obstruction.

Prepare the Soil:

• Dig a Hole: Make a hole that is twice as wide and as deep as the root ball. This allows the roots to spread easily.
• Amend the soil with organic compost if it's poor or heavy clay to improve drainage and fertility.

Planting Steps:

1. Remove the Plant from Its Container: Gently slide out the root ball and loosen any circling roots.
2. Position the Tree: Place the magnolia in the hole so that the top of the root ball is level with the surrounding soil. Ensure the tree is straight.
3. Backfill and Water: Fill the hole with soil, pressing down gently to eliminate air pockets. Water thoroughly to help settle the soil around the roots.

Watering:

• Young Trees: Water regularly during the first few years, keeping the soil consistently moist but not soggy.
• Established Trees: Kay Parris Magnolia is moderately drought-tolerant once established. Water deeply during dry spells to promote healthy growth.

Benefits:

• Fragrant blooms: Produces creamy white, highly fragrant flowers from spring to fall.
• Compact size: Perfect for smaller gardens, patios, and urban landscapes.
• Evergreen foliage: Glossy, dark green leaves with a coppery underside add year-round beauty.
• Drought-tolerant: Requires less water once established.
• Low maintenance: Minimal pruning and care required.
• Heat and humidity tolerant: Thrives in warm, temperate climates.

Q: How far apart should I plant my Kay Parris Magnolia trees?
A: If you are planting a few trees in a group, we suggest at least 16 feet or more of space in between trees. If you want to create a privacy screen, we recommend 6-8 ft. apart for a dense planting.

Q: What is the difference between ‘Kay Parris’ and ‘Little Gem’ Magnolia grandiflora varieties?
A: Although ‘Little Gem’ and ‘Kay Parris’ are both compact varieties of Magnolia grandiflora, Kay Parris is believed to be a cross between 'Little Gem' and 'Bracken's Brown Beauty' Southern Magnolias, and differs from ‘Little Gem’ in the following ways:

• Kay Parris is faster growing, more vigorous, and more dense than Little Gem.
• Kay Parris blooms at a younger age than Little Gem.
• The leaves of Kay Parris are highly glossy and have wavy-edges.
• Kay Parris is more cold-hardy than Little Gem.

Q: Who is Kay Parris?
A: Magnolia grandiflora 'Kay Parris' is an open-pollinated seedling of M. grandiflora ‘Little Gem’ propagated by Kevin Parris in 1991 and named after his beloved mother.