Ginkgo Biloba ‘Mariken’: A Dwarf Delight for Modern Gardens
Ginkgo biloba, the “living fossil,” is a tree steeped in history and revered for its unique fan-shaped leaves and resilience. While the standard ginkgo is a majestic giant, often unsuitable for smaller gardens, the ‘Mariken’ cultivar offers a delightful solution. This dwarf, female selection retains all the charm of its parent species in a compact, manageable form. This article delves into the characteristics, cultivation, and benefits of Ginkgo biloba ‘Mariken’, exploring why it has become a favored choice for contemporary landscapes.
Origin and Characteristics
Ginkgo biloba ‘Mariken’ originated as a witches’ broom mutation found in the Netherlands. Witches’ brooms are dense, abnormal growths of twigs and branches that can sometimes produce desirable cultivars. In this case, the mutation resulted in a naturally dwarf and densely branched form. ‘Mariken’ is a female cultivar, meaning it has the potential to produce fruit. However, this is often considered a disadvantage due to the unpleasant odor of the ripe fruit.
Dwarf Growth Habit
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‘Mariken’ is prized for its slow growth rate and compact, rounded shape. Unlike the towering standard ginkgo, it typically reaches a mature height of only 6-8 feet (1.8-2.4 meters) and a similar spread. This makes it ideal for small gardens, courtyards, and even container planting. Its dense branching creates a full, rounded silhouette, adding structure and visual interest to the landscape.
Distinctive Foliage
Like all ginkgos, ‘Mariken’ boasts unique fan-shaped leaves. These leaves are characterized by their distinctive venation and notched edges. In spring and summer, they display a vibrant green hue, transforming into a stunning golden yellow in autumn. This dramatic autumnal display is a major highlight of the ginkgo and a significant selling point for ‘Mariken’.
Female Characteristics and Fruit Production
As mentioned, ‘Mariken’ is a female cultivar. This means it has the potential to produce fruit if pollinated by a male ginkgo. The fruit, known as a seed, is encased in a fleshy outer layer that emits a strong, unpleasant odor when ripe. This odor is often described as resembling rancid butter or vomit. While some cultures value the ginkgo seed for its medicinal properties, many gardeners prefer to avoid fruit production altogether.
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Cultivation and Care
Ginkgo biloba ‘Mariken’ is a relatively low-maintenance tree, making it a good choice for both novice and experienced gardeners. Here are some key cultivation considerations:
Soil Requirements
Ginkgo thrives in well-drained soil. It can tolerate a range of soil types, including sandy, loamy, and clay soils, but it prefers slightly acidic to neutral pH. Good drainage is essential to prevent root rot, especially in heavy clay soils.
Sunlight Needs
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‘Mariken’ prefers full sun to partial shade. It will grow best and exhibit its most vibrant autumn color in a location that receives at least six hours of direct sunlight per day.
Watering
Once established, ‘Mariken’ is relatively drought-tolerant. However, young trees require regular watering to establish a strong root system. Water deeply during dry periods, especially in the first few years after planting.
Pruning
‘Mariken’ generally requires minimal pruning. Its naturally compact and rounded shape makes it easy to maintain. Pruning is typically limited to removing dead, damaged, or crossing branches.
Fertilization
Ginkgo is not a heavy feeder and generally does not require frequent fertilization. A light application of balanced fertilizer in early spring can promote healthy growth.
Pest and Disease Resistance
Ginkgo is renowned for its exceptional resistance to pests and diseases. This makes ‘Mariken’ a low-maintenance and reliable choice for gardeners seeking a trouble-free tree.
Considerations for Fruit Production
If you wish to avoid fruit production, ensure that there are no male ginkgo trees in the vicinity. Pollen from male trees can travel long distances, so it may be necessary to remove male ginkgos from neighboring properties. Alternatively, you can remove the flowers before they develop into fruit.
Landscape Applications
Ginkgo biloba ‘Mariken’ is a versatile tree that can be used in a variety of landscape settings. Here are some popular applications:
Small Gardens
Its compact size makes ‘Mariken’ ideal for small gardens, courtyards, and patios. It adds structure and visual interest without overwhelming the space.
Container Planting
‘Mariken’ can be successfully grown in containers, making it suitable for balconies and terraces. Choose a large, well-draining container and use a high-quality potting mix.
Foundation Planting
‘Mariken’ can be used as a foundation planting near the house, adding a touch of elegance and structure.
Specimen Tree
Its unique foliage and compact shape make ‘Mariken’ an excellent specimen tree, drawing attention to a specific area of the garden.
Bonsai
The slow growth rate and compact form of ‘Mariken’ make it a popular choice for bonsai enthusiasts.
Benefits of Ginkgo Biloba ‘Mariken’
Beyond its aesthetic appeal, Ginkgo biloba ‘Mariken’ offers several benefits:
Air Purification
Ginkgo trees are known for their ability to absorb pollutants from the air, contributing to improved air quality.
Urban Tolerance
Ginkgo is highly tolerant of urban conditions, including air pollution, compacted soil, and heat. This makes ‘Mariken’ a good choice for city gardens.
Longevity
Ginkgo trees are exceptionally long-lived, with some specimens living for over a thousand years. ‘Mariken’ inherits this longevity, providing years of enjoyment.
Low Maintenance
Its pest and disease resistance and minimal pruning requirements make ‘Mariken’ a low-maintenance and hassle-free tree.
Seasonal Interest
The vibrant green foliage in spring and summer, followed by the stunning golden yellow in autumn, provides year-round visual interest.
Conclusion
Ginkgo biloba ‘Mariken’ is a delightful dwarf cultivar that offers all the charm and resilience of its parent species in a compact, manageable form. Its unique foliage, slow growth rate, and low-maintenance nature make it a favored choice for modern gardens. Whether used as a specimen tree, container plant, or foundation planting, ‘Mariken’ adds a touch of elegance and historical significance to any landscape. While the fruit production can be a drawback, careful planning and management can mitigate this issue. For gardeners seeking a unique, low-maintenance, and visually appealing tree, Ginkgo biloba ‘Mariken’ is an excellent choice.
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