Ginkgo biloba, commonly known as the Maidenhair Tree, is a distinctive deciduous tree instantly recognisable by its beautiful fan-shaped leaves. Fresh green foliage emerges in spring and summer before turning a spectacular golden yellow in autumn. An incredibly ancient species with a fascinating history, Ginkgo makes an unusual and architectural addition to a garden or large container.
Scientific Name
Ginkgo biloba
Common Name(s)
Maidenhair Tree, Ginkgo
Origin
Native to China, although it has been cultivated for centuries across East Asia and is now grown throughout temperate regions of the world.
Light
Prefers full sun to partial shade. A sunny position will encourage strong growth and particularly good golden autumn colour.
Water
Water regularly while young and during the first few years after planting to help establish a strong root system. Once established, Ginkgo trees are relatively tolerant of occasional dry periods, although plants grown in containers will need more frequent watering.
Humidity
No special humidity requirements. This is an outdoor tree and is well suited to normal UK garden conditions.
Soil
Adaptable to a range of soil types but grows best in fertile, well-draining soil. Avoid permanently waterlogged ground. When growing in a container, use a good-quality peat-free compost and ensure the pot drains freely.
Food
Trees planted in the ground generally need little additional feeding once established. Container-grown plants can be given a balanced slow-release or liquid fertiliser during spring and summer.
Temperature
A hardy deciduous tree that can withstand cold winters and frost once established. It naturally loses its leaves during autumn and remains dormant over winter before producing fresh growth in spring.
Pet-safe
The fleshy seeds produced by female Ginkgo trees can cause problems if eaten and should be kept away from pets. The foliage is generally considered low risk, but we recommend preventing pets from chewing any part of the plant.
Sprouts Top Tips
Ginkgo is naturally a large, long-lived tree, so choose its final position with this in mind. It can be kept in a large container while young, but will eventually be happiest planted in the ground where it has room to develop.
Extras
Ginkgo grows relatively slowly when young but can eventually develop into a substantial tree. Its unusual fan-shaped leaves turn an intense buttery-golden yellow before falling in autumn, often creating a particularly striking seasonal display.
Did You Know?
Ginkgo biloba is often described as a “living fossil”. Ginkgo relatives existed more than 200 million years ago, but Ginkgo biloba is the sole surviving species of this ancient group of trees.
