::Magnolia x 'rickii'::

This beauty was a housewarming present from my mom, Summer 2008. We had originally planted it in the curve of the driveway but it nearly died from winterburn. I had to cut it down completely and regenerate it from it's ground sprouts. Two years later it has reached its original size. Now it is up near the house on the South side where it will likely not have the space to grow to it's full potential. But it will live!

Magnolia x 'Ricki'

A cross between Magnolia stellata and Magnolia liliflora which was first raised at the U.S. National Arboretum in Washington, DC. Magnolia x 'Ricki' is covered with purple-red buds which open to lovely pink flowers in spring. This has a notably upright habit and is an excellent choice of magnolia for a small garden or an area with limited space!

• Common name: Ricki's Magnolia.
• Position: Full sun or light, dappled shade.
• Soil: Well drained, fertile soils.
• Hardiness: Hardy.
• Flowering Period: April - May.
• Rate of Growth: Slow to moderate.
• Habit: Medium sized or eventually large shrub with an upright habit.
• Height: 3 - 4 m (9 - 13 ft)
• Spread: 2 m (6 ft)
  
  

STATUS: {April 2010} Ricki is much happier this spring. There are a dozen buds waiting to open. The city magnolias have bloomed long ago but our microclimate here follows different rules.

{May 2009}5-7 hours of sun. A well composted soil. Parent plant dead and pruned. Fresh growth emerging from the bottom. Fingers crossed!