The Maidenhair Tree
One of the best deciduous trees for cool to temperate climates, the Ginkgo Biloba tree has a goode pyramidical habit, attractive lime green foliage and lovely buttery yellow autumn colour.
Ginkgo trees do make an excellent feature tree, or they can be grown in small groups to create an enchanting landscape in larger gardens.
Growth rate is usually slow, however this will depend on conditions, in a good year these trees can put on 1/2m, in a bad year it might not grow much at all. In terms of height, these wonderful trees can reach 20m, however they are slow growers.
With some specimens reputed to be over 1000 years old it is interesting that in the wild, this ancient tree is considered endangered.
The Ginkgo Biloba or ‘maidenhair tree’ is either male or female. The male trees will produce flowers, but no fruit. The female trees produce the fruit and seed, or gingko nut.
Unless you are looking at harvesting the seed the male Ginkgo tree is the best option as the fruit produced by the female tree has a tendency to smell. Regarded as a living fossil the ginkgo is one of our favourite deciduous trees.
How To Grow Ginkgo Trees – Basic Care
- Best grown in a humus rich deep soil, although they are tolerant of poorer soils.
- Plant in early autumn, or early spring
- Best in full sun, however they will cope with part shade.
- Water in well with a liquid seaweed fertiliser.
- Mulch around the plant to maintain a cool root run.
- Water through the first two summers.
- Try to keep one central leader for best growth habit.
- You can prune some of the very low branches if needed for access. Besides this they need very little pruning.
Ginkgo Species, Cultivars and varieties
- G. Biloba (Maidenhair Tree) tree is a medium to large tree that is regarded as a living fossil, very ornamental with fan shaped leaves turn clear yellow in Autumn. Ginkgo biloba trees are readily available for sale.
- G. biloba autumn gold with its oval upright crown.
- G. biloba fastigata is a narrow growing columnar form of this lovely tree.
- G. biloba pendula is an Umbrella shaped tree. Biloba ‘Queen of Fruits’ is a female heavy fruiting form.The kernels are esteemed food in China and Japan.
- G. biloba saratoga is a dense compact form with ascending branches and a distinct central leader, slow and bushy.
- G. biloba variegata shows Yellow variegation.
You may also be interested in
- Ginkgo Biloba Trees
- Dogwood Trees – Cornus Varieties
- Japanese Maple Trees
- Magnolia Trees
- Cercis Canadensis
- Camellias
Ginkgo Trees are available for sale from the following nurseries
Carey Gully, Adelaide Hills.
Family business selling a large range of deciduous trees in pots 1-4m high. Crepe myrtle specialist. Includes Ornamental pears & plums, Red maples, Japanese maples, Gingko, Cercis, Ash, Birch, Crab apples, Weeping cherries, Gleditsia, Liquidambar and more. Hedging plants, evergreen trees & fruit trees.
www.adelaidetreefarm.com.au
55 McDougal Rd Neerim South Victoria 3831 PH: (03) 56281507
Advanced ornamental trees and garden designs and concept plans. Direct to your property combined with specialist knowledge and outstanding service.
www.blericktreefarm.com.au
125 Palmer Rd Jindivick 3818
Open Thursday - Sunday 10am - 4pm
Specialising in growing and selling Rare and Unusual Trees, shrubs Perennials Bulbs and Climbers, a unique nursery with amazing stock.
www.muskersbroughtonhall.com.au
WINTER HILL TREE FARM Ph: 02 4878 9193 Fax: 02 4878 9109
NSW Southern Highlands
Retail & Wholesale. Advanced trees & hedging. Grown in pots for year-round planting. 45 litre - 1000 litre available. Great range. Great Quality. Delivery available.
www.winterhill.com.au