Ginkgo Biloba
Common name: MAIDENHAIR TREE
Supplied in a 1 litre pot.

Background:
Ginkgo are a primitive genus containing a single species and given its own family, Ginkgoaceae. Ginkgo is quite different from all other conifers. Fossil records show it to be very ancient. Now unknown in the wild, it was certainly grown in China in the eleventh century; some specimens are believed to be well over 1,000 years old. The foliage resembles that of the maiden-hair fern, hence the common name. Pollination is achieved by motile spores, a feature unknown among ;the higher plants, but normal among ferns. Male and female flowers are carried on separate trees. The fruits are edible, nutritious, and are a source of various medicinal substances.

Ginkgo biloba are deciduous  and very long lived. Fronds fan-shaped, parallel veins spreading out from the stalk. Male flowers, pendulous short-stalked catkins. Fruit yellow-green, unpleasant odour when decaying. Foliage turns a beautiful golden yellow in autumn.

Cultivation:
This attractive tree prefers hot summers but tolerates a range of conditions, including atmospheric pollution, giving it potential as a street tree. Ginkgo biloba trees require well-draining soil to thrive. They can grow in heavy clay, loam or light, sandy soil, but of all these soil types, sandy soil is best for the ginkgo tree. When you dig a hole for your ginkgo tree, fill the bottom with a 2-inch layer of compost. Ginkgo does not need additional fertiliser to thrive. Ginkgo trees must receive full sun; they grow poorly in the shade. Keep the soil moist during its first three to five years. The ginkgo tree is drought tolerant after that time. Stake the tree for the first couple of years.

Growing in Containers:
Ginkgo make good potential bonsai trees and a seedling is the best way to start them off!
Container-grown ginkgo has many of the same needs as Ginkgo grown in the ground, although some of its requirements differ. Choose a container with ample drainage holes. When repotting, use a container that is about twice the size of the ginkgo's original container. Ginkgo kept in a container needs regular watering, especially when actively growing. Water your ginkgo tree when the soil feels dry. Prune the ginkgo in winter, if desired.

Full Sun
Well drained soil
RHS hardiness rating H6 (-20C )
 
Plants are supplied in a 1 litre pot and are similar to those seen in pictures 3 and 4. These plants are coming out of winter dormancy and are showing leaf buds at the moment. Pictures 1 and 2 show a planted specimen as an example only.
 
SUK: GIBI1182