Ginkgo biloba Tree

This living fossil dates back 270 million years! Ginkgo biloba has unusual fan shaped, light-green foliage that turns bright, clear yellow in autumn. The leaves are often split in the centre into two lobes, hence the name "biloba" and as they are reminiscent of maidenhair ferns, it has gained the name of "maidenhair tree".

Ginkgo biloba is a conical tree that slowly broadens and spreads with age, whilst the bark develops attractive deep fissures. It will grow to 10 x 4 metres in 20 years.

Ginkgo biloba is surprisingly a conifer tree! It is hardy and will grow in exposed inland conditions, but likes a sunny position. Ideal for urban environments, it will tolerate pollution and limited soil space despite its stature. If the space is available, this tree makes a real talking point.

AKA Maidenhair tree, Fossil tree, Gingko

• Common name: Maidenhair tree
• Latin name: Ginkgo biloba
• Height and spread in 20 years: 10 x 4 metres
• Environmental benefits: Good carbon storage
• Interesting Fact: It is the national tree of China
• Seasons of interest: Spring, Summer, Autumn
• Foliage: Fan-shaped green leaves turn yellow in autumn
• Soil: Tolerant of most soil types but prefers a well-drained site

Planting Advice for Ginkgo biloba Trees

Our pot grown Maidenhair trees can be planted at any time of year, unlike bare root trees. Firstly, remove weeds and grass within a metre of your intended planting hole. Dig a square hole as deep as the root mass and twice as wide. To help the tree establish more effectively, sprinkle root grow into the hole.

Remove the pot, gently loosen roots and place into the planting hole. Mix 50% of the original soil with 50% high quality compost and use to fill in the hole. Firm around gently, taking care not to bank soil up around the collar of the tree.

We recommend planting this tree with a stake and tie and, if your area is prone to rabbits, a spiral tree guard. Lastly, water generously around the base.

Aftercare Advice for Ginkgo biloba Trees

Water Maidenhair trees well and regularly throughout the first spring and summer they are planted. Increase watering if there are periods of hot or dry weather. If planting in autumn, you may only need to water your tree a little.

Once planted, keep the area free of competing weeds and grass for the first couple of growing seasons.

Pruning Advice for Ginkgo biloba Trees

Maidenhair trees do not require a lot of pruning. Simply remove any dead, diseased or awkwardly placed branches from your Ginkgo Biloba tree as and when you see them.

Delivery Costs

*Free delivery promotion excludes mature trees, extra large kits and delivery to Highlands or Islands. Discount applies at checkout.

Delivery Times

Next Day Despatch
We will always try to get your plants to you as quickly as possible.  For many of our trees and plants, if you order today we will despatch your order within 24 hours.  We are constantly adding to our range of next day plants, and we do not add a surcharge for this service. Click here to see our next day delivery plants.

Standard Delivery
We have one of the widest range of trees in the UK, and for those plants which we cannot despatch next day we will normally despatch within 4 weeks. The despatch time for different products will be confirmed when products are added to your shopping basket

Pre-orders
We will only want to deliver your orders when they are perfect for planting! Depending on the season and how well the plants are growing, we will give our best estimates of the despatch dates for pre-orders.  These dates may vary and by species and while we will always try to deliver within these timeframes if the expected despatch does change then we will notify you by email.

Special Orders
Orders containing pleached or mature trees (trees over 2.5m in height) are delivered within 3 weeks. They require specialist delivery and are grouped geographically. Any customers ordering pleached or mature trees will be contacted and notified of their delivery date.

If your trees are required by a specific date, please let us know as soon as possible; while we can’t offer any guarantees we will always do our best to accommodate you. You can leave instructions in the notes field on the Delivery Page of the Checkout or send us an email at [email protected].

Please note that orders are shipped once all the trees in the order are ready.

Collections
Collections are by appointment only at our West Yorkshire-based nursery. If you would like to place an order for collection, please get in touch before placing your order. You will not be charged a delivery cost for a collection and any delivery cost that has been applied will be refunded.

The product table at the bottom of the page gives the forms and sizes available for this variety. Please note, photos are a guideline as all plants are unique. *Pot sizes may vary. Below are definitions of terms:

Supplied Size: Height measured from the top of the pot.

Single Stem tree: Classic tree with one trunk, pruned for a beautiful, natural shape.

Top grafted tree: A height next to this form refers to the length of clear stem, which will not grow taller. Only the head of branches will develop. Ideal for small spaces.

Feathered tree: Branches from the bottom of the trunk all the way up. These branches can be removed if a clear stem is required.

Multi Stem tree: Two or more stems arising from or near ground level, growing from one root system.

Bush: A plant with many stems low down, rather than one clear stem.

Clump: Several plants in one pot that give the appearance of a bushy multi stem tree.

Climber: Naturally climbing plant. Usually delivered running up a cane, ready to position in the garden.

Standard Tree: A more mature tree with an upright clear stem of approximately 1.8m-2.0m (measured from the soil to the lowest branches of the crown). Standards are available in different forms relating to their girth size (circumference of the stem measured 1m above soil level), not height.