Deciduous Specimen Trees – Ginkgo Biloba Maidenhair Tree

The Ginkgo biloba or Maidenhair Tree makes a great specimen plant. This tree is a great example of a living fossil, a plant which has remained unchanged for millions of years. Not only is the Ginkgo biloba an interesting talking point, the plant is also relatively easy to grow as a specimen tree.

Planting a Maidenhair Tree as a Specimen Plant

Ginkgo biloba is a great specimen tree for the beginner, as the plant has relatively few specialist needs and is fairly problem free with regards to disease problems and insect based pests. When choosing a site for the Maidenhair tree, the tree will be happy in most common garden soils; for best results choose a site which receives full sun.

Once established the tree will not require additional feeding or watering in all but the driest of summers. In addition the Ginkgo Biloba is fully hardy to Northern European conditions, as such no additional protection is required for over wintering specimens.

As with all specimen trees, pruning should be undertaken with care. Use pruning to remove aged and diseased branches, but avoid removing too much wood in a single season as this will place too much stress on the specimen.

Ginkgo Biloba – Key Features of the Maidenhair Tree

Ginkgo biloba may be one of the most interesting conifers in the plant kingdom. In the first instance the plant has interesting fan shaped leaves rather than needles. The Maidenhair tree is also interesting for a conifer, a deciduous variety. Leaves turn an impressive golden yellow colour in the autumn adding much colour to the garden. Finally the tree does not produce cones like many conifers, the tree instead produces a plum sized fruit containing the Ginkgo nut.

The Ginkgo tree will grow fairly rapidly and one can expect to achieve a final high of around thirty meters in ideal conditions with a spread of about 800cm.

Female specimens of the Ginkgo tree will produce fruits the size of a plum, whilst the flesh of the fruit is known for its rancid smell. The nuts inside of the fruit are both edible and thought to have health giving properties, especially in Oriental medicine. Male specimens will produce catkins instead of the fruits associated with female specimens.

In summary the Gingko biloba will make a great specimen tree for the larger garden. The tree is a great talking point and gives the gardener the chance to own something, just that little bit different. Unlike many rare and exciting plants, the Maidenhair tree is also extremely easy to grown and forgiving. A such the Gingko tree is a recommended specimen plant for gardeners of all skill levels.

Soruces:

Petherick, T. 2006. Trees that shape the world. Quadrille.

Read More Gradening:

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