The Botanical Diary
G
Ornamental

Ginkgo

Ginkgo biloba
Also known asginkgo, maidenhair tree, dinosaur tree

Ginkgo existed 270 million years ago—it survived the dinosaurs and the nuclear explosion in Hiroshima.

Regions
Centre, West, South
Colour
Жовтуватий
Ginkgo (ginkgo, maidenhair tree, dinosaur tree)
🌸
Bloom
April (дрібне)
☀️
Light
Full sun
💧
Watering
Moderate
📏
Height
15–30 m
❄️
Hardiness
Zone 4а

Maidenhair Tree is one of the oldest cultivated plants on Earth, originating from China and Japan. This relict tree has existed for over 270 million years, and its evolution seems frozen in time, like a forgotten page from the planet's ancient history. In gardens, it is valued not only as a living museum specimen, but also as a true visual gem, offering unforgettable impressions throughout the entire year.

Visually, Ginkgo captivates with its graceful form: branching limbs carry unique fan-shaped leaves found in no other plant species. In spring, the tree dons delicate light-green foliage, in summer it offers a deep emerald colour, and in autumn it transforms into a golden torch—a sight worth witnessing at least once in a lifetime. Flowering in April remains inconspicuous, but the scent of blooming Ginkgo is something else entirely, lingering in memory long after.

In the garden, Ginkgo harmonises beautifully with Japanese maple, birch, and mountain pine, creating compositions that appear precious and refined. Unpretentious in care, the tree grows well in sunny locations, tolerates moderate watering, and adapts to any soil type. Ginkgo suits both large parks and modest gardens—it all depends on your imagination.

Fascinatingly, Ginkgo is one of the few trees that survived the nuclear explosion in Hiroshima. Its leaves are renowned for healing properties in traditional medicine and are well-known as an effective remedy. If you are seeking a tree that combines history, beauty, and practicality, Ginkgo is your choice.

Location & soil

Ginkgo — planting & location

LightFull sun
Soil typeany, рН 5,5–7,5
Planting timeOctober або April
Plant spacing5–6 m
Planting depthAt root collar level

Relict tree; foliage turns bright yellow in autumn; leaves are valued for medicinal properties

Water needs

How to water Ginkgo

IntensityModerate
FrequencyMay–August
Volume12–15
MethodAt the base

Mature specimens are drought-tolerant

Annual care

Fertilizing and pruning: Ginkgo

Spring fertilizingMineral complex (April)
Summer fertilizingNo feeding required
Autumn fertilizingNo feeding required
Pruning timeНе обрізають (sanitary)
Pruning typeSanitary

Remove only dead and diseased branches

Cold hardiness

Ginkgo — winter hardiness & care

Hardiness zoneZone 4а
Winter coverNot required
Cover timing
Plant protection

Diseases and pests of Ginkgo

Diseases
Практично не уражується
Pests
Практично немає
Garden design

What grows well with Ginkgo?

Клен японський, береза, сосна горська