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Mariken Ginkgo

Ginkgo biloba 'Mariken'

Not currently listed at our partner nurseries.

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Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Tree

Height

36 inches

Width

48 inches

Light

Full Sun, Partial Sun

Zones

4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9

Water

Low to medium

Humidity

Adaptable

Lifespan

Very long-lived (100+ years)

Native To

China

Toxicity

Fleshy seed coat on female trees is toxic/irritant; 'Mariken' is male.

The Story

Plant Bio

Ginkgo biloba, the maidenhair tree, is a unique deciduous tree often called a 'living fossil' as it is the last of its ancient lineage. It is known for its distinctive fan-shaped leaves and brilliant, clear yellow fall color. 'Mariken' is an extremely dwarf, slow-growing male cultivar that forms a dense, compact, flattened globe. Discovered as a witch's broom, it is perfect for rock gardens, containers, or as a small, architectural specimen.

Bloom Period:

EarlyLate

Uses & Benefits:

'Mariken' is a living sculpture. Its dense, mounding form, unique fan-shaped leaves, and brilliant, clear yellow autumn color provide exceptional ornamental value. It serves as a perfect focal point in rock gardens, zen gardens, or formal settings, especially when grafted onto a standard.

Its extremely slow growth and dwarf size make it an ideal plant for small spaces and container gardening, requiring virtually no pruning or maintenance. As a male clone, it produces no messy or smelly fruit. Its high tolerance for urban pollution makes it a resilient choice for city environments.

While not a major wildlife plant, its complete resistance to pests and diseases means no pesticides or fungicides are needed for its care, contributing to a healthier garden ecosystem. It is a tough, resilient plant that can thrive for centuries with minimal inputs.

Marketplace

Where to Buy

We couldn't find this plant listed online right now.

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Planting

How to Grow

Select a location in full sun for best form and fall color.
Ginkgos are adaptable to almost any well-drained soil.
Dig a hole twice as wide as the root ball but no deeper.
Place the plant in the hole, ensuring the root flare is at soil level.
Backfill with the excavated soil and water thoroughly.
Mulch to conserve moisture, but no fertilizer is typically needed.

Pro Tip

Be patient; this is a very slow-growing plant. Site it where its unique form can be appreciated up close.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Provide full sun.
Ensure good drainage.
Water during establishment, then enjoy its drought tolerance.
Appreciate its pest-free and disease-free nature.
Allow it to grow into its natural dense, mounded shape.

Don't

Do not plant in waterlogged soil.
Avoid planting female ginkgo varieties unless you can tolerate the messy, foul-smelling fruit.
Don't expect rapid growth; its beauty is in its slow, deliberate development.
Avoid pruning, as it is rarely necessary and can spoil the natural form.
Don't worry about urban pollution; ginkgos are famously tolerant.

Seasonal Care Calendar

Task	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Plant

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Architectural rock garden specimenUnique container plant for patiosFormal accent in small spaces

Companion Plants

Juniperus squamata 'Blue Star' Sedum spurium 'Dragon's Blood' Sempervivum species Ophiopogon planiscapus 'Nigrescens' Picea pungens 'Globosa'

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Mariken Ginkgo questions

What zones can Mariken Ginkgo grow in?

Mariken Ginkgo is hardy in USDA Zones 4–9. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.

Is Mariken Ginkgo deer resistant?

Yes — Mariken Ginkgo is rated deer-resistant. Deer typically pass it over, though extreme hunger can override any plant's defenses.

When does Mariken Ginkgo bloom?

Mariken Ginkgo typically blooms in early spring through early spring. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.

Does Mariken Ginkgo need full sun?

Mariken Ginkgo does best in full sun to part shade. In hot climates, afternoon shade keeps blooms fresher longer.

Is Mariken Ginkgo drought tolerant?

Yes — once established (usually after the first full season), Mariken Ginkgo handles dry spells with minimal watering. Water deeply its first year to build the root system that makes that possible.