Consulta Plantas

Care of the tree Ginkgo biloba or Maidenhair tree

The genus Ginkgo, family Ginkgoaceae, includes a single species of tree native to China. This family of trees populated the planet 200 million years ago. The Ginkgo biloba is a true living fossil.

Common names: Maidenhair tree, Ginkgo, Gingko. This species is native to China.

They are slow-growing dioecious deciduous trees with a pyramidal crown that reach 30 meters (98.42 feet) in height. They resemble conifers but have neither needle-like leaves nor pineapple-shaped fruits. The bark is brownish-gray with ripples and fissures. The curious fan-shaped leaves are bright green (yellow in autumn) and have a wavy margin. The flowers are small, yellowish and not very decorative. They bloom in spring. They produce yellow or pink fruits with edible seeds but produce an unpleasant odor.

Male plants are commonly used (they do not produce fruits) as isolated specimens in large or medium gardens and in streets and public parks. It's also used as bonsai.

Ginkgo biloba needs full sun or semi-shade exposure. It resists frost well.

They grow in any type of soil (even limestone soils) but prefer deep and cool soils, rich in organic matter and with good drainage. The transplantation to the definitive site will be carried out in autumn or spring.

Water regularly waiting for the substrate to be almost dry. Ginkgo biloba resists drought well. Young specimens need more water than adults.

Fertilize every 15 days with mineral fertilizer from mid-spring to late summer. Fertilize with compost or manure in the fall.

Maidenhair tree does not need pruning but tolerate light pruning to shape in early spring.

Ginkgo biloba is a plant resistant to the usual pests and diseases.

Gingko is propagated from seeds and by cuttings but they are very slow processes.

Images of the tree Ginkgo biloba or Maidenhair tree