Species

Magnolia grandifloraSouthern Magnolia

6 other cultivars

treeN. America Native

Southern Magnolia

Magnolia grandiflora 'Kay Parris'

The Story

Plant Bio

Magnolia grandiflora, the southern magnolia, is a dense broadleaf evergreen tree native to the coastal plains of the southeastern United States, where it grows in moist, organic soils. The species is characterized by its large, leathery leaves with glossy upper surfaces and cup-shaped, highly fragrant white flowers that open from late spring through summer.

'Kay Parris' is a compact, tightly upright cultivar that reaches fifteen to twenty-five feet in height, making it suitable for smaller gardens and tight screens. Its undulating leaves feature a distinct, velvety orange-brown underside, and the new spring growth emerges with a bright pinkish flush.

Uses & Benefits:

Features glossy evergreen foliage with striking orange-brown undersides and exceptionally large, fragrant white flowers.

Serves as an excellent dense privacy screen, windbreak, or compact specimen tree for smaller yards.

Provides nesting sites for birds, while the heavy pollen attracts native bees and beetles.

SpeciesMagnolia grandifloraSouthern Magnolia

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Tree

Height

300"

Width

120"

Light

Full Sun, Partial Sun

Zones

6, 7, 8, 9

Water

Medium

Humidity

High

Lifespan

Long

Native To

North America

Toxicity

Non-toxic

Bloom period

Late spring – Fall

In flower about 7 months of the year

Planting

How to Grow

Select a planting site in full sun to partial shade with moist, organically rich, well-drained soil.
Dig a hole twice as wide as the root ball but no deeper, ensuring the top of the root flare sits slightly above the surrounding soil level.
Backfill with native soil, tamp down gently to remove air pockets, and water thoroughly to settle the ground.
Apply a three-inch layer of organic mulch over the root zone, keeping it several inches away from the trunk to prevent rot.

Pro Tip

Never prune hard into old, leafless wood, as southern magnolias lack active latent buds in ancient timber and will fail to regenerate.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Water regularly during the first two growing seasons to establish a deep, resilient root system.
Apply a slow-release fertilizer formulated for acid-loving woody plants in early spring.
Maintain a consistent mulch layer to retain soil moisture and protect the shallow roots from temperature extremes.

Don't

Do not plant in low-lying areas prone to standing water or prolonged waterlogging.
Do not prune heavily into old, bare wood, as it will not regenerate new growth.
Do not allow young plants to dry out completely during extended hot, dry summer spells.

Seasonal Care Calendar

Task	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Fertilize
Mulch
Pest Check
Prune

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Specimen TreePrivacy ScreenHedgeFoundation Planting

Companion Plants

Cornus florida Rhododendron Camellia

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Southern Magnolia questions

What zones can Southern Magnolia grow in?

Southern Magnolia is hardy in USDA Zones 6–9. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.

Is Southern Magnolia deer resistant?

Yes — Southern Magnolia is rated deer-resistant. Deer typically pass it over, though extreme hunger can override any plant's defenses.

When does Southern Magnolia bloom?

Southern Magnolia typically blooms in late spring through fall. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.

Does Southern Magnolia need full sun?

Southern Magnolia does best in full sun to part shade. In hot climates, afternoon shade keeps blooms fresher longer.

Is Southern Magnolia drought tolerant?

Yes — once established (usually after the first full season), Southern Magnolia handles dry spells with minimal watering. Water deeply its first year to build the root system that makes that possible.