Magnolia grandiflora 'Kay Parris' AGM

(H5) NEW! This variety of M. grandiflora is a huge improvement on all the old cultivars, flowering from a young age on a smaller plant ideal for smaller gardens. Also displays greater winter hardiness. Free flowering spicy-lemon scented white flowers from May, through summer. Dark glossy leaves with foxy indumentum. Upright habit either free standing as a single stem or bush, or trained against wall for greater frost protection. Height 175-200cm in 10 years, reaching a maximum height of up to 6m in England. Takes shade, best in full sun.

Customer Reviews

By John Millward on 1st October 2023

"I bought two lovely Kay Parris magnolias from Millaus Nurseeries, both in very good condition on arrival. The Customer Service was excellent, promptly dealing with my questions about looking after the magnolias. Will definitely buy from this company again."

By Monique Lees on 30th December 2022

"The plant was in excellent condition and bigger than I thought it would be. It was delivered sooner than we expected which was brilliant. Very very happy with our purchase."

By Angela Harpham on 26th July 2022

"This plant was very healthy on arrival, well packaged and delivered at the time I requested. It is a good size and well grown. Looking forward to seeing it bloom."

By J Sherratt on 13th November 2021

"Plant arrived quickly and in great condition. I have always wanted a Magnolia Grandiflora so I am very pleased. I would definitely recommend this nursery."

By Christine on 8th May 2020

"Ordered on line plant excellent condition as always. Needed to provide a little cover at back of garden all year round with interesting village and white flowers. Should work well."

By Sheila Wood on 1st May 2020

"Lovely well grown plant, I'm very happy"

By j Graham on 4th March 2019

"Plant arrived looking healthy. No problems."

By Emma on 21st November 2018

"Brilliant company, excellent customer service, will definitely use Millais again"

Good to know

Magnolia

Magnolias consist of deciduous and evergreen large shrubs or feature size trees, many with nicely scented flowers in spring and summer. They provide great structure in the garden, as well as stunning flowers in shades of white, pink and purple in early spring, followed by the yellow flowering varieties which tend to be a little later, and can avoid spring frosts.

We have an excellent modern range including the latest varieties from top breeders around the world. Being new and grafted, they cost a bit more than the more common varieties. Due to delivery constraints, we are only able to send young plants, but these establish much better than mature stock anyway.

Magnolias prefer full sun, cool roots and shelter from strong winds. They are not suitable for growing in patio pots, which they will quickly outgrow. Plant in free draining, moisture retentive neutral to slightly acidic soil, deeply worked with added ericaceous compost. After planting, feed with a good ericaceous fertilizer and mulch well. Apply slow-release fertilizer every spring whilst the plant is establishing, at the rate of a teaspoon per 3 litre plant, rising to a handful for a more mature plant. Most stellata hybrids will flower from the 4 litre size, and soulangeana hybrids will typically flower once they reach about 2 metres high. Be aware that some magnolias (eg campbelli) can take up to 40 years to flower when grown from seed.

Young plants can be trained into a bush or a tree shape when young. Select a strong shoot to tie against a cane if you want a plant with a straight stem. Magnolias should only be pruned lightly, and only during the summer months of June to September. Prune any weak growth or small branches that cross over each other or spoil the shape. Severe pruning can be stressful and induce the formation of strong vertical ‘watershoots’, so renovation work is best carried out over several years to avoid pruning too much at any one time.

Magnolias were amongst the first plants on Earth to reproduce using flowers pollinated by insects. They are native to America and Asia, but not Europe. The Magnolia was named by Linnaeus in commemoration of Pierre Magnol, who was Louis XIV's doctor and a professor of Botany. Magnolia grandiflora was introduced into Britain from America in 1734. The first magnolias from China arrived around 1780, and proved much hardier than those from America.

Please note: Deer like to rub their antlers on the stems, so a 1 metre high ring of netting protection may be necessary for a few years if deer have access to your garden.

The Basics

Ideal soil

Acidic soil, good organic content, pH 4.5-6.0. Inkarho range of rhododendrons will tolerate soils up to pH7.5

Sun or Shade

Light dappled shade is best for most varieties.

Shelter

Refer to hardiness rating. Give young plants protection.

Site Selection

Avoid close to trees, roots, invasive weeds, walls, hot patios, dry banks and waterlogged soils. Do not use weed matting or stone mulch.

Plant spacing

Use the height shown in 10 years as a guide to the distance between each plant. Allow room for plant to fill out. If planting closer for instant impact, be prepared to move plants after a few years.

Compost

• 3 litre pot, dig in 10-20 litres of ericaceous compost.
• 7.5 litre pot, dig in 20-30 litres of ericaceous compost.
• 70-80cm specimen, dig in 60 litres of ericaceous compost.
• 100-120cm specimen, dig in 120 litres of ericaceous compost.

Planting depth

Plant high in the ground, with the top of the rootball visible.

Feeding

Slow-release ericaceous feed recommended in March and straight after flowering.

Mulch

Recommended every few years.

Water

The key ingredient! Keep moist all season, especially the critical time at end of June for flower bud initiation. Tap water is better than no water. Heavy dose at least once per week in dry weather.

Drainage

Ensure good drainage in winter, especially with yellow flowering varieties. Avoid waterlogged sites.

Pruning

Rhododendrons and Camellias: Not normally required. Tidy wayward shoots after flowering.

Evergreen azaleas and Bloombux can be clipped into a low hedge.

Magnolias and Acers: Formative pruning when young to shape into a tree or bush.

Deadheading

Remove old flower-heads, particularly on young or weak plants.

For further advice see here

Size Guide

Delivery & Returns

Our website calculates the delivery charge according to weight and delivery location throughout the UK. To see these charges, please enter your postcode at the checkout, and you will see the charge vary as you add more items to your wheelbarrow.

Please see here for delivery information

Please see here for cancellation and return information