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, Ginkgo BilobaHow 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
Ginkgo requires abundant, bright and direct light. Placing it less than one foot from a window is the best way to make sure the plant receives enough light to survive and thrive. Depending on your region, however, the current weather can affect the placement of the plant in your home. For example, in some areas the sun may be too direct and intense, so it's best to place it farther away from the window. You may also need to adjust your placement according to the season as the sunlight can change intensity over the course of the year. If you live in a region with significant temperature fluctuations, such as a desert, you may need to place the plant a bit farther away from the window to avoid extreme heat or cold. With some care and attention, your Ginkgo will be sure to bring you many years of beauty and enjoyment.
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
