Ginkgo
Also known as
Maidenhair tree, Ginkgo tree, Fossil tree
Keep this plant’s care guide close at hand.
Get the appAbout Ginkgo
Ginkgo biloba, the lone living member of an ancient lineage, is a deciduous, dioecious tree famed for its fan-shaped, often bilobed leaves that turn a luminous golden-yellow in autumn. Native to China and preserved for centuries in temple plantings, it is exceptionally long-lived, tolerant of urban pollution, road salt, and compacted soils. Young trees are narrow and pyramidal, gradually developing a broader crown with age. Growth is slow to moderate. Male and female trees are separate; females produce plum-like seeds whose fleshy outer coat has a strong, rancid odor when ripe, so male cultivars are preferred for streets and home landscapes. Ginkgo resists most pests and diseases, requires relatively little maintenance once established, and adapts to a wide soil pH range if drainage is good. Its striking foliage, resilience, and storied evolutionary history make it a popular specimen and avenue tree in temperate climates worldwide.
Taxonomy
Properties & Requirements
How to care for Ginkgo
Water
Keep young trees evenly moist for the first 2–3 years, providing roughly 1 inch (25 mm) of water per week, including rainfall. Water deeply and infrequently to encourage a robust root system; allow the upper soil to dry slightly between waterings. Mature trees are notably drought tolerant and usually need supplemental water only during prolonged dry spells. Avoid poorly drained, waterlogged sites. For container specimens, water when the top 1–2 inches (2.5–5 cm) of mix are dry, then drain thoroughly.
Light
Provide full sun for best vigor and fall color—ideally 6–8+ hours of direct light daily. Ginkgo tolerates light to moderate partial shade, especially in hot climates, but foliage density and autumn display are superior in sunnier exposures. In deep shade, growth becomes sparser and more upright. Avoid fully indoor cultivation; this species is best grown outdoors where light intensity and seasonal cues match its deciduous habit.
Nutrients
Ginkgo is not a heavy feeder. In the ground, apply a light dressing of compost or a balanced, slow‑release fertilizer (e.g., 8‑8‑8 to 10‑10‑10) once in early spring, targeting 0.5–1 lb nitrogen per 1,000 sq ft. Avoid high-nitrogen feeding after midsummer to prevent tender late growth. Container or bonsai specimens benefit from a diluted, balanced liquid feed every 4–6 weeks during active growth. Always prioritize excellent drainage over extra fertility.
Temperature
Hardy in USDA Zones 3–9, ginkgo tolerates severe cold (to about −30 to −35°C / −22 to −31°F) once established, and endures hot summers if soil moisture is adequate. Young trees appreciate protection from intense, drying winds and extreme heat during their first seasons. Mulch the root zone to buffer temperature swings. Container-grown plants are less cold-hardy than in-ground specimens; overwinter containers in sheltered, frost-free or minimally freezing conditions to protect roots.
