Magnolia 'Ricki' is one of the "Little Girl" series. Huge, fragrant reddish-purple blooms lined with white appear before the foliage. 'Ricki' blooms 2-4 weeks later than stellata and soulangiana, reducing the possibility of spring frost damage. It has been a fantastic specimen in our display garden.
- Height: 4-5 meters (13-16 ft)
- Spread: 175-200 cm (6-6.5 ft)
- Hardiness: Zone 4-9
- Sun or Shade: sun to light shade (minimum 4 hours of direct sun)
- Bloom Time: late spring
- Leaf Colour: green turning bronze in fall
- Bloom Colour: pink
Growing and Maintenance Tips
Best grown in organically rich, neutral to slightly acidic, medium moisture, well-drained soils in full sun to part shade. Appreciates a root-zone mulch to help retain soil moisture. Also appreciates a location protected from strong winds, but avoid warm southern exposures which may promote premature bud opening in spring. Fleshy root system is easily damaged during transplanting, so it is best to select a landscape location carefully and leave this magnolia undisturbed once planted. Prune as needed immediately after flowering. Usually requires little pruning other than removal of dead or damaged branches.
