Maidenhair Tree, Ginkgo (Ginkgo biloba)

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Plant Details

Category: Nursery
Light: Full Sun
Bloom Season: Spring
Height: 50-80' / 
15.2-24.4m
Space: 25-30' / 
7.6-9.1m
Zones: 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9
Lowest Temp: -30° to -20°F / 
-34° to -29°C
Colors: Grown for foliage

Basic Care

Very easy to grow in virtually any location. Tolerates poor soil, heat, and drought. Adapts well to a range of soils with excellent drainage. Water regularly until established.

Water

Water regularly until established.

Soil

Ordinary, well-drained soil.

Feed

Not necessary.

Maidenhair Tree, Ginkgo detailed care guide →

Good Fall Color

Looks Great in Winter

hedges

Hedges

border plants

Borders

Features

There is fossil evidence that the gingko tree has existed for well over 200 million years, meaning that this tree was present when dinosaurs roamed the earth. Ginkgo is native to China but is now grown throughout the world. Best known for its unique fan-shaped foliage and unusual growth pattern, ginkgo trees are adaptable to a wide range of locations. They’re slow growers that can take many years to go from their somewhat sparse youthful form to a their more lush, broad, mature form.

Ginkgo trees are technically conifers with female and male trees that support primitive reproductive structures. The female trees produce fruits containing nuts that can be eaten if properly prepared. In addition to its use as a food source, ginkgo trees have various medicinal uses in many cultures.

Ginkgo leaves turn brilliant yellow in the fall and its not unusual for all the leaves to drop in just a day or two with the arrival of frost; surrounding the trunk with a carpet of yellow and making leaf cleanup easy!

Uses

Use ginkgo as a focal point in a home landscape or other large-scale planting. Makes a good street tree and can even survive the harsh conditions found in the narrow planting strips of parking lots.

Maidenhair Tree, Ginkgo (Ginkgo biloba) Care Guide

Plant in spring or early fall to give plants the best start.

Choose a location that will allow roots to spread and branches to grow freely. Space plants far enough from building foundations, walls, and decks so that the growing foliage won’t crowd the structure. Consider whether tall trees or shrubs will block windows or interfere with the roof or power lines.

To prepare the planting area dig a hole as deep as the root ball and three times as wide. After removing the soil, mix it with some compost or peat moss. This enriches the soil and loosens the existing dirt so that new roots can spread easily.

To remove the plant from the container, gently brace the base of the plant, tip it sideways and tap the outside of the pot to loosen. Rotate the container and continue to tap, loosening the soil until the plant pulls smoothly from the pot. The container can also be removed by carefully cutting it down the side.

Set the plant in the hole. If the root ball is wrapped in burlap fabric this must now be removed along with any string or wire securing the burlap. If roots are tightly packed gently rake them apart with your fingers.

Return the soil to the planting area packing it firmly around the root ball. Fill the hole until the soil line is just at the base of the plant, where the roots begin to flare out from the main stem.

Water the plant well then add a 2” (5cm) layer of mulch, such as shredded bark, around the planting area. Keep the mulch at least 4” (10cm) away from the trunk of the plant as this can keep the bark too moist and cause it to decay.

Depending on rainfall, new plants need to be watered weekly through the first growing season. A slow, one-hour trickle of water should do the job. During hot spells thoroughly soaking the ground up to 8” (20 cm) every few days is better than watering a little bit daily. Deep watering encourages roots to grow further into the ground resulting in a sturdier plant with more drought tolerance.

Pruning may be needed to remove dead branches, encourage bushier growth, promote more flowers, or maintain a specific size or shape.

Dead branches should be removed close to the trunk, flush with the bark. When pruning to control a plant’s size or shape, cuts should be made just above a leaf bud and at a slight angle. This bud will be where the new growth sprouts.

Many shrubs can be regularly sheared to keep them shaped as a hedge, edging or formal foundation planting.

Always use sharp, clean tools when pruning. There are many tools available depending on the job. Hand shears, pruners, and loppers are ideal for most shrubs. Pole pruners and tree saws are better for large, mature shrubs or trees. If a tree is so large that it can’t be safely pruned with a pole pruner, it is best to call in a professional tree service.

Established trees should be fertilized every 2-3 years. Feed in early spring when plants start growing.

Fertilizers are available in many forms: granulated, slow-release, liquid feeds, organic or synthetic. Determine which application method is best for the situation and select a product designed for trees and shrubs, or go with a nutritionally balanced, general-purpose formula such as 10-10-10.

Always follow the fertilizer package directions for application rates and scheduling. Over-fertilizing plants or applying at the wrong time during the growing season can result in plant injury.

Maidenhair Tree, Ginkgo Companion/Combination Plants

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