Magnolia grandiflora 'Kay Parris' (Kay Parris Southern Magnolia)

Magnolia grandiflora 'Kay Parris' (Kay Parris Southern Magnolia) is a compact and elegant evergreen tree prized for its exquisite large white flowers and glossy foliage. This improved cultivar features smaller, more manageable dimensions than the species while maintaining all its ornamental qualities. The tree produces enormous, fragrant white flowers with waxy petals that contrast beautifully against the deep green, leathery leaves with rusty-brown undersides. Its dense, pyramidal growth habit makes it ideal for smaller gardens and formal landscapes.

Ideal as a feature tree, for screening, or in avenue plantings, 'Kay Parris' thrives in well-drained, acidic soil and full sun to partial shade. It demonstrates good wind tolerance and maintains a more compact form than traditional southern magnolias. This magnolia is particularly valued for its spectacular fragrant flowers, year-round glossy foliage, and adaptability to smaller garden spaces.