Ginkgo
Exotic looking spreading tree. This unusual but attractive deciduous tree bears rich green leaves that resemble those of the maidenhair fern. Good disease and pollution resistance.
Family: Ginkgoaceae
Botanical Name: Ginkgo biloba
Common Names: Maidenhair tree
Foliage: Deciduous, mid-green, fan-shaped, bilobed (two lobed) leaves. Good autumn colour.
Blossom: Small green flowers. Female plants produce yellow fruits with an unpleasant fragrance.
Flowering Period: Spring
Soil: Well-drained soil (chalk, clay, sand or loam). Acid, alkaline or neutral pH.
Conditions: Full sun, any aspect.
Habit: Bushy, slightly weeping.
Type: Slow growing tree.
Origin: Western China.
Hardiness: Fully hardy in the UK.
Toxicity: Seeds are harmful to pets and humans.
Planting and Growing Ginkgo
Easy to grow. Thrives in any good, well-drained fertile soil, in full sun.
Drought resistant and tolerant of atmospheric pollution.
The slow growing nature of Ginkgo makes it suitable as a specimen tree, although it will eventually reach a height of around 60ft and a spread of 30ft. Beware: The fruit of the female species bears a very unpleasant odour, so it's best to grow only male forms in the garden.
Ginkgo are long lived trees that need plenty of space to spread and flourish (not suitable for small to medium sized gardens). Compact cultivars do well in large containers where they should live happily for many years.
Taking Care of Ginkgo
Water young trees regularly. Once established, ground planted trees should survive without regular watering. Do not allow container grown plants to dry out and feed sparingly with a general fertiliser in spring.
Pruning Ginkgo
Not required. If necessary, they can be trimmed during dormancy in late winter.
Pests and Diseases
Generally trouble free.
Propagating Ginkgo
Increase from seed or by semi-ripe cuttings.
Varieties of Ginkgo
G. biloba is the main species grown in the UK.
Ginkgo biloba is a slow growing, spreading tree with small fan-like green leaves. Good yellow autumn colour. Eventual height to 60ft (18m), spread 30ft (9m) or more. Variety 'Fastigiata' is a more upright, columnar form and 'Pendula' is a compact weeping form. Popular male cultivars include 'Autumn Gold' and 'Princeton Sentry'.