Plant Profile: Magnolia grandiflora 'Kay Parris'

Regarded as one of the finest varieties of evergreen magnolias, 'Kay Parris' is a relatively recent introduction from Gilberts Nursery Inc. This cultivar is thought to be a hybrid of two esteemed magnolia types, 'Little Gem' and 'Bracken's Brown Beauty.' It can thrive as a small tree or a large, multi-stemmed shrub, provided it receives consistent watering. The leaves exhibit a glossy medium green hue with wavy edges, and unlike its 'Little Gem' parent, 'Kay Parris' features a rich orange-brown, almost velvety underside. Its highly fragrant flowers, which bloom from late May to late September, are slightly smaller than those of the typical Southern magnolia.

In any sunny Carolina landscape, 'Kay Parris' magnolia deserves a prominent spot. Its dense, compact growth makes it suitable for use as a living screen or for shaping into a tall hedge. In regions of the Carolinas prone to winter ice storms, this cultivar demonstrates excellent limb structure and tends to withstand harsh conditions better than 'Little Gem.' Once established, it is drought-tolerant, although it may require some shade in particularly hot, dry areas.

For further details on Magnolia grandiflora, please refer to additional resources.