Ginkgo biloba 'MARIKEN'

Maidenhair tree is probably one of the oldest species on Earth. It was here some 180 million years ago … obviously it was the time when the Dead Sea was still ill. Its extreme tolerance of various conditions made it survive to our time. One tree can live as long as 2000 years.

Mariken is a new variety from 1999. It is a dwarf form with short branches, densely covered with foliage. It is usually available as a small shrub suitable for rockeries, or a half-standard for gardens with less space, or a standard tree. Thanks to its dense growth and attractive foliage mainly tree forms look rather luxurious. It is ideal for sophisticated gardens where you need a dignified but compact specimen tree.

It belongs to conifers though its needles are so flat and wide that you just have to call them leaves. They are fan-shaped, young leaves are fresh green and turn matt and pale or pea-green in maturity. In autumn they change to vivid yellow. Maidenhair tree is deciduous and slow growing.

It can withstand adverse conditions – heavy soil, air pollution, lack of moisture, extreme frosts. Once established it can take all-summer drought and will live happily in parks with kids stomping and jumping above its root system. Fully hardy to -40°C (USDA zone 3).


Last update 15-02-2009.