Ginkgo biloba 'Mariken', a 40-ecu tree for small spaces
Ginkgo biloba 'Mariken'
- Exposure
- Sun
- Hardiness (USDA)
- 5a (-28.9°C ≤ T° < -26.1°C)
- Lifecycle
- Perennial
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Family
- Ginkgoaceae
- Genus
- Ginkgo
- Species
- Ginkgo biloba
Do you dream of planting a 40-crore tree, but don't have the space or the inclination to endure the smell that goes with it? Plant a Ginkgo biloba 'Mariken'. This horticultural variety has been selected for its small size and almost never produces fruit.
How to recognize Ginkgo biloba 'Mariken'?
Ginkgo biloba 'Mariken' is a tree with a rounded habit. This dwarf variety of Ginkgo biloba grows to no more than 2 metres in height, with the same span at maturity.
The deciduous leaves have two lobes, but no midrib. Embossed, they resemble fans. The green foliage turns golden yellow in autumn, before falling off in winter.
Officially, Ginkgo biloba 'Mariken' is not sterile, unlike Ginkgo biloba 'Blagon. But for this horticultural variety, we prefer to graft male specimens. This way, the tree doesn't produce the fleshy yellow ovules that give off a rather unpleasant odor when they decompose.
Is Ginkgo biloba 'Mariken' toxic?
In Ginkgo biloba, only the ovules are toxic if ingested or if they come into contact with the skin. If your Ginkgo biloba 'Mariken' is a male tree, it poses no danger to you or your pets.
Our care tips
Ginkgos biloba 'Mariken These are very hardy trees. Once established in the ground, they require almost no care. When grown in pots, however, regular watering and repotting are necessary.
Watering
Water when the substrate is dry on the surface, for about three centimeters. Use non-calcareous water, such as rainwater, filtered water or mineral water.
Don 't let water stagnate in the planter or saucer, as it may rot the roots.
Repotting
Get a deep, perforated pot with a capacity of at least 30 liters. It should be slightly larger than the previous one.
You can place a layer of clay pellets or gravel at the bottom to improve drainage.
Next, fill the pot with a rich, well-draining substrate, such as potting mix for shrubs or citrus trees. Plant your Ginkgo biloba 'Mariken'. Stake it to help the trunk grow straight.
Pack down the soil and water generously until water flows out of the drainage holes. Thorough watering flushes out air pockets and promotes root establishment.
Fertilization
You can stimulate the growth of your plant during its growth phase, in spring and summer, with fertilizer.
The substrate is rapidly becoming depleted. As you don't repot every year, feed your Ginkgo biloba 'Mariken' with a soluble tree and shrub fertilizer.
Prune
Pruning is not mandatory. However, you can remove dead wood and tangled branches.
Planting
Once the last spring frosts have passed, you can plant.
Choose a secluded spot, at least 3 meters from other plants and your house.
Soak the rootball to rehydrate it.
Dig a hole 2.5 times deeper than the root ball. Work the soil to loosen and aerate it. Place a layer of compost or manure at the bottom to enrich it, and cover with a little soil.
Plant your Ginkgo biloba 'Mariken'. The root ball should be completely buried. Add a stake to help the trunk grow straight.
Fill in with garden soil and form a watering basin. Water copiously to expel air bubbles and encourage rooting.
You can mulch the soil to keep it fresh.
Taking cuttings
Propagation by cuttings is carried out during the strong growth phase, generally in spring and early summer.
Locate a semi-arched stem. Take a 10-15 cm section with at least 2 or 3 knots. Use a clean, sharp tool such as pruning shears.
Remove half the foliage at the bottom. Reduce the size of the leaves you keep by 50% to limit evapotranspiration.
Fill a seedling pot or pierced pot with potting soil for seedlings and cuttings. Make a hole in the center with a pointed stick. Plant your Ginkgo biloba 'Mariken' cutting and water.
Cuttings root better under cover. You can place your pot in a transparent crate or cover it with a translucent plastic bag.
Remember to water regularly to keep the soil moist and aerate for a few minutes each day to prevent rotting.
Grow young shoots in the open air when the first signs of growth appear.
Frequently asked questions
How tall is Ginkgo biloba 'Mariken'?
Ginkgo biloba 'Mariken' is a horticultural variety selected for its small size. It grows to a maximum height of 2 meters, with the same spread. It is suitable for pot cultivation and small gardens.
Can Ginkgo biloba withstand frost?
Yes, Ginkgo biloba is very cold-resistant. This tree can withstand temperatures from -20°C to -30°C. Mature specimens are particularly hardy, but young plants require light winter protection (mulch, winter fleece) during their first few years.
Are Ginkgo biloba roots invasive?
Ginkgo biloba roots are no more invasive than those of other trees. You can plant your tree close to a house or terrace without any major risk, as long as you respect a standard planting distance(around 3 to 5 meters). Its taproot, however, needs to be planted in deep soil.
Information
- Lifecycle
- Perennial
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Exposure
- Sun
- Substrates
- Clay soilLoamy soil
- Planting methods
- Open groundIn potsIn tubs
- Tags
- BeginnerLarge potHard to killHardy
- Origin
- East Asia
- Hardiness (USDA)
- 5a (-28.9°C ≤ T° < -26.1°C)
- Leaf colors
- Dark greenOrangeGolden
- Fruit colors
- YellowOrange
Discover plants from the same family
Ginkgo biloba 'Blagon
Ginkgo biloba 'Blagon'
Find all our tips in the Monstera application
