Ginkgo biloba 'Sky Tower'
tree

Sky Tower Ginkgo

Ginkgo biloba 'Sky Tower'

Not currently listed at our partner nurseries.

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Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Tree

Height

216 inches

Width

72 inches

Light

Full Sun, Partial Sun

Zones

4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9

Water

Medium

Humidity

Adaptable

Lifespan

1000+ years

Native To

China

Toxicity

Fruit from female trees can cause skin irritation.

The Story

Plant Bio

Ginkgo biloba, the Maidenhair Tree, is a unique deciduous tree with no close living relatives, often called a 'living fossil.' It is prized for its distinctive fan-shaped leaves and brilliant golden-yellow fall color. 'Sky Tower' is a male selection with a very narrow, fastigiate form, making it an ideal choice for tight urban spaces, as a formal street tree, or as a strong vertical element in landscape design.

Bloom Period:

J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
EarlyLate

Uses & Benefits:

Ornamental UsesA tree of immense beauty and history. It provides unique, fan-shaped summer foliage that turns a uniform, brilliant, buttery yellow in autumn. The narrow form of 'Sky Tower' is highly architectural and elegant.
Practical UsesIts extreme tolerance of pollution, salt, heat, and confined soil spaces makes it one of the best trees for difficult urban environments. The narrow habit is perfect for lining streets or driveways without obstructing views or traffic.
Ecological BenefitsAs a 'living fossil,' planting a ginkgo is an act of conservation for a unique botanical lineage. While it doesn't support a wide range of native insects, its durability makes it a reliable green presence in harsh urban settings.

Marketplace

Where to Buy

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Planting

How to Grow

  1. Select a location in full sun for best growth and fall color.
  2. This tree is highly adaptable to most soil types, including clay and sand.
  3. Dig a hole two to three times as wide as the root ball.
  4. Set the tree in the hole so the root flare is at or just above soil level.
  5. Backfill with the original soil and water thoroughly.
  6. Water regularly for the first year to help it establish.

Pro Tip

Be patient. Ginkgo trees are slow to establish and may exhibit very little growth for the first couple of years after planting.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

  • Provide full sun for the most vibrant yellow fall color.
  • Water deeply when young to encourage a strong root system.
  • Allow it plenty of time to establish; it is notoriously slow to start.
  • Appreciate its pest-free and disease-free nature.

Don't

  • Do not plant a female or unsexed seedling tree in a residential area.
  • Avoid planting in poorly drained or constantly wet soils.
  • Don't be alarmed by its slow initial growth rate.
  • Avoid heavy pruning, which is unnecessary and can spoil its form.

Seasonal Care Calendar

TaskJanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Plant
Prune

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Strong vertical accent for narrow spacesFormal and clean street treeArchitectural specimen for modern gardens

Companion Plants

Buxus 'Green Velvet' Carex 'Evergold' Juniperus 'Blue Star' Ophiopogon planiscapus 'Nigrescens' Taxus x media 'Hicksii'

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Sky Tower Ginkgo questions

What zones can Sky Tower Ginkgo grow in?

Sky Tower Ginkgo is hardy in USDA Zones 4–9. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.

Is Sky Tower Ginkgo deer resistant?

Yes — Sky Tower Ginkgo is rated deer-resistant. Deer typically pass it over, though extreme hunger can override any plant's defenses.

When does Sky Tower Ginkgo bloom?

Sky Tower Ginkgo typically blooms in mid-spring through mid-spring. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.

Does Sky Tower Ginkgo need full sun?

Sky Tower Ginkgo does best in full sun to part shade. In hot climates, afternoon shade keeps blooms fresher longer.

Is Sky Tower Ginkgo drought tolerant?

Yes — once established (usually after the first full season), Sky Tower Ginkgo handles dry spells with minimal watering. Water deeply its first year to build the root system that makes that possible.

Keep exploring

Grow Sky Tower Ginkgo with confidence

See it in a design of your actual yard, get zone-matched care reminders, and track it season by season in your garden journal.

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