Magnolia Ricki

Magnolia Ricki - one of the Magnolia Little Girl series
Magnolia Ricki is a beautiful pink-flowering magnolia bred to flower during April and May to reduce frost damage.
This deciduous slow-growing shrub or small tree was bred in the 1950s at the National Arboretum as one of the ‘De Vos Little Girl’ hybrids including Susan and Ann. Ricki is a cross between Magnolia Liliflora Nigra and Magnolia Stellata.

In April and May large flowers measuring 15 cm across open from purple-pink buds into rose-pink cup-shaped blooms. As the flowers fade ovate green leaves cover its branching framework before turning yellow in autumn and falling with the frosts.

Height And Spread Of Magnolia Ricki
Magnolia Ricki is medium-sized measuring a maximum of 2 -4 metres tall by 2 – 4 metres wide. It’s a slow-growing magnolia and can take up to 20 years to reach this size.

How Hardy Is Magnolia Ricki
Magnolia Ricki is very hardy down to sub-zero temperatures if its roots are kept well-drained. Frost may damage the buds but as this cultivar flowers later than average frost damage is usually avoided. Once established it is drought resistant and relatively pest-free.

How To Use Magnolia Ricki
This compact slow-growing shrub is a good way to add a splash of colour to the garden before much else has flowered. It enjoys a mixed border and performs well in a container.
Magnolia Ricki is a pretty front garden plant that improves as it matures. You can grow this deep pink magnolia a traditional cottage garden or as a stand-alone specimen in a modern courtyard.

How To Care For Magnolia Ricki
As with most magnolias, Magnolia Ricki doesn’t grow well in chalky soils. For best results grow it in lime-free pH-neutral soil. If you have an alkaline garden you can still grow Ricki in a well-fed container.

Magnolias like a sunny or partially shady spot to encourage strong flowering, and a sheltered position means the large flowers stay perfect for longer.

There is no need to prune Magnolia Ricki as it naturally grows in a well-rounded compact shape.

Apply a thick layer of lime-free mulch such as pine bark or bracken mulch in early spring and water well until its established.