Ginkgo biloba aka Ginkgo

Taxonomy

Ginkgo biloba, commonly known as ginkgo or gingko (GINK-oh, -goh), is a species of tree native to China, and is the last living species in the order Ginkgoales, having first appeared over 290 million years ago. Its unique fan-shaped leaves start out green but change to golden-yellow in the fall, occasionally having separate bands of gold and green before turning completely golden. It is a large deciduous tree that grows to 50 to 80 feet in height and 30 to 40 feet wide, and is tolerant of drought, heat, and air pollution, growing in Zone 8 and 9 in the Southeast and achieving its full growth potential between 100 and 200 years. Ginkgo leaf extract is sometimes used as a dietary supplement, but there is no scientific evidence that it supports human health or is effective against any disease.

Common names

Ginkgo, Maidenhair Tree, Nanahana

How to care for Ginkgo

Difficulty

Are you up for a challenge? Ginkgo will test your gardening skills and require extra care and attention to thrive.

Water

Ginkgo should be watered regularly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.

Soil

Ginkgo loves a well-draining soil. Perlite and vermiculite help with drainage, while coco coir adds organic matter, so a good potting soil mix will have all three. You can improve store-bought soil by adding some perlite to it.

Lighting

To ensure optimal growth, the Ginkgo prefers bright diffused light for 6-8 hours each day. Insufficient light can result in slow growth and leaf drop, so it's important to find a well-lit location for this plant. Place it near a window, within a distance of 1 meter (3 feet), to enhance its potential for thriving.

Toxicity

Ginkgo is poisonous if ingested. We suggest keeping this plant out of reach if you have children, cats, or dogs in the home.

Fertilizer

The growth of Ginkgo is not rapid and it doesn't necessitate any extra fertilization. By replacing its potting soil once a year, it should receive ample nutrition. It is important to note that plants obtain their energy from the sun's rays, not from fertilizers.

Growth-pattern

New growth will sprout from the top of the plant as it grows upwards.

Region of origin

Ginkgo’s native range is E. Asia - N. China.


More info:
Wikipedia