Ginkgo biloba ‘Spring Grove’

Prehistoric Ginkgo trees (Ginkgo biloba) are easily identified by their triangular shaped leaves (USDA hardiness zones 4-8). Trees mature to huge sizes, up to 80 – 90 feet high. Their growth rates are initially slow during the early establishment years. Ginkgo tree are “dioecious”, either male and female. Most (not all) ginkgoes develop into tall pyramidal trees with lovely green spring/summer foliage that turns buttery yellow in the fall.

Female ginkgoes bear apricot-like fruits that are foul smelling when they ripen in the fall over several weeks. Male ginkgo trees for sale at garden centers should be labelled “male” and are usually grafted forms. Otherwise, don’t buy them.

Dwarf forms are ideal for growing in containers and for planting in miniature landscapes such as in railroad gardens, fairy gardens, or small urban gardens. Their cold hardiness makes them a great addition to large containers northern urban areas.

Growth assessments are based on 10 year averages. Expect dwarf forms to mature to less than one-third to one-half that of the species. Pruning of young plants may be needed to remove errant branches.

‘Chase Manhattan’– slow grower with small dark green cupped leaves on closely spaced branches; 3 feet tall and wide in 10 years.

‘Gnome’ – dark green leaves are densely packed on short internode thick muscular stems; miniature vertical form 5 feet tall by 2 feet wide in 10 years.

‘Gold Spire’ – intermediate size shrub or tree form; shear lightly the first 3-4 years to develop into a pyramidal tree form; 10-12 feet tall by 3-4 feet wide after 10 years.

‘Mariken’ – exceptionally slow growing, compact shrubby habit with a flat, rounded canopy; 2 feet tall by 3 feet wide after 10 years.

‘Spring Grove’ – a miniature tree form for urban landscapes; pyramidal when young and eventually globe shaped; 4 feet tall by 2 feet wide after 10 years.

‘Troll’ – unique dwarf male ginkgo with a tight, compact habit; 4 feet by 3 feet in 10 years.

These special ginkgoes are primarily available through mail order nurseries and specialty confer nurseries. One of the best sources  for dwarf ginkgo cultivars is Klehm’s Song Sparrow Nursery. Order on-line @ www.songsparrow.com