Ginkgo biloba - Maidenhair Tree

A large, hardy deciduous tree with distinctive fan-shaped leaves that open light green in spring and turn a glowing gold in autumn. Long-lived and frost tolerant, the Maidenhair Tree is a classic choice for as a feature tree or groupings in larger gardens.

Quick Info

Height: Up to 15m tall

Foliage: Fan-shaped leaves, light green in spring turning to golden shades in autumn

Climate & Hardiness: Frost tolerant and well suited to cooler and temperate climates. Performs well in regions that experience a proper autumn and winter.

Frost Tolerance: Frost tolerant

Positioning: Full sun to part shade, in well-draining soil.   Full sun gives the best growth and the richest autumn colour.

Wind Protection: Protect from strong winds, particularly when the tree is young. A sheltered position will help it establish good form.

Growth Rate: Slow. Expect steady, gradual development over many years, which is part of the appeal of a long-lived feature tree.

Important Note: Ginkgo trees are either male or female. Males produce flowers but no fruit, while females produce a smelly fruit/seed. Because the sex is often not clear at the nursery and may not be known until some years after planting, some growers offer male-specific trees. If you are planting for a fruit-free garden, please ask us about availability.

Dwarf Option Available: 'Lemonlime Spire' is a smaller growing alternative approx 5m h x 1m w and does not produce the smelly fruit.  Please contact us for a quote + availability on this variety.

Plant Variety Overview

Ginkgo biloba, commonly known as the Maidenhair Tree, is a large and hardy deciduous tree with a distinctive character unlike any other. It's unusual fan-shaped leaves are instantly recognisable, and the tree is valued for its strong form and long-lived presence in the garden.

The foliage opens a fresh light green in spring, matures through summer, and then turns a rich gold to yellow in autumn before dropping in winter. This seasonal show gives the tree year-round interest, with a bare winter canopy that reveals its sculptural branching.

Perfect For

> Feature tree in large gardens, estates or public spaces

> Shade tree

> Autumn colour and seasonal interest

> Long-term planting for a lasting landmark tree

> Sheltered gardens in cooler climates

Why You'll Love It

> Distinctive Foliage: Fan-shaped leaves are unlike any other tree in the garden

> Gold Autumn Colour: Brilliant gold to yellow leaves in autumn

> Long-Lived: A slow-growing tree that becomes a lasting landmark

> Frost Tolerant: Hardy in cooler climates where many trees struggle

> Sculptural Winter Form: Bare branches reveal structure after leaf fall

Height Approximates in Pots for this Variety