About

A rare, deciduous dwarf small tree or shrub with a compact, pyramidal habit, reaching a height of around 3m. Its compact habit and slow growth make it ideal for patio pots and containers. Branches are dense and produce fan-shaped green leaves which turn to a deep, rich golden yellow to bronze in the autumn. When mature, it develops ornamental round growths on its trunk.

About the genus

Ginkgo are large deciduous trees, developing an irregular, spreading crown with age, fan-shaped, 2-lobed leaves, and on female trees, unpleasantly scented yellow fruits each containing a single large seed

Growing conditions

SunlightFull sun, Partial shade
Soil typeChalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureWell-drained
AspectEast-facing, North-facing, South-facing, West-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH5

Plant details

Plant typeTrees, Shrubs
HabitBushy, Spreading branched
FoliageDeciduous
Height2.5-4 metres
Spread1.5-2.5 metres
Time to full height5-10 years
Suggested usesArchitectural, City and courtyard gardens, Cottage and informal garden, Patio and container plants
ToxicitySeeds harmful if eaten. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling. Seed TOXIC to pets - see the HTA guide to potentially harmful plants for further information and useful contact numbers

Care notes

CultivationGrow in well-drained soil in full sun or partial shade. Tolerant of atmospheric pollution. Makes a good specimen tree. See tree cultivation for further advice
PruningGenerally no pruning required but pruning group 1 if necessary
PropagationPropagate by semi-hardwood cuttings in summer
Pest resistanceGenerally pest-free
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to honey fungus (rarely)