Magnolia grandiflora 'Kay Parris'
(Bull Bay 'Kay Parris')
Family - Magnoliaceae
Category - Shrub, tree
Hybrid Parents - Magnolia grandiflora 'Bracken's Brown Beauty' x M. g. 'Little Gem'
Origin - Raised in South Carolina, USA
Discovered By - Raised by Kevin Parris, plantsman
Year of Introduction - 1995
Season of Interest - Spring, Summer, Autumn, Winter
Hardiness - H5
Height - 6m
Width - up to 3m
Location - The White Garden
Description: A large, Evergreen Shrub or small tree with an upright, bushy habit. Large, leathery, oblong to Elliptic leaves are glossy dark green and felted bronze on the undersides. The new growth emerges pink-tinged before turning to dark green. Large, creamy white flowers are cup-shaped and exquisitely scented. Each flower can reach 25cm across and has a showy centre. The flowers are held singly on the stems and are produced from mid-summer into early autumn.
Award of Garden Merit (AGM).
Flower:
Large, creamy-white flowers are cup-shaped and have prominent, showy centres. Each bloom can reach 25cm across. The flowers are held singly on upright stems and are produced from July into September. The blooms have a wonderful scent.
Flower colour: White
Flower shape: Cup-shaped flowers held singly
Flowering time: July, August, September
Foliage:
Large, oblong to Elliptic leaves are glossy dark green, and have a leathery texture and wavy margins. The new growth emerges pink-tinged. Each leaf can reach 20cm in length. The leaves are Alternately arranged on upright stems.
Foliage Senescence: Evergreen
Foliage Shape: Oblong to elliptic
Propagation:
Cuttings, grafting, layering.
Cultivation:
Best in a sheltered position in full sun to partial shade in fertile, moisture-retentive soil that is well-drained.