Ginkgo biloba 'Shangri-La'
tree

Shangri-la Maidenhair Tree

Ginkgo biloba 'Shangri-La'

Not currently listed at our partner nurseries.

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Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Tree

Height

540 inches

Width

330 inches

Light

Full Sun

Zones

4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9

Water

Low to medium

Humidity

Adaptable

Lifespan

Very long-lived

Native To

China

Toxicity

Seeds from female trees are toxic if eaten raw

The Story

Plant Bio

Ginkgo biloba, the maidenhair tree, is a deciduous conifer and living fossil, celebrated for its unique fan-shaped leaves, striking fall color, and extreme toughness. 'Shangri-la' is a male cultivar selected for its faster growth rate and its dense, symmetrical, broadly pyramidal form. It develops a strong central leader, making it an excellent and reliable choice for a shade or street tree.

Bloom Period:

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

Uses & Benefits:

Ornamental Uses'Shangri-la' is valued for its classic beauty combined with improved performance. It forms a dense, stately pyramid of handsome green foliage that turns a brilliant, clear yellow in autumn. Its predictable shape and strong structure make it a highly desirable landscape tree.
Practical UsesIts relatively fast growth (for a ginkgo) and tolerance of urban conditions like pollution and poor soil make it a superb choice for street plantings, parking lots, and parks. As a male clone, it provides shade without the nuisance of messy fruit.
Ecological BenefitsThe ginkgo's legendary toughness and freedom from pests and diseases make it a sustainable choice that eliminates the need for chemical sprays. It is a long-lived tree that will sequester carbon and provide shade for generations.

Marketplace

Where to Buy

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Planting

How to Grow

  1. Plant in a location that receives full, direct sunlight.
  2. This tree adapts to most soil types, but avoid waterlogged sites.
  3. Dig a hole twice the width of the root ball.
  4. Set the tree so its root flare is at or just above ground level.
  5. Backfill with the soil you removed.
  6. Water deeply after planting and regularly for the first year.

Pro Tip

While ginkgos are drought tolerant, providing consistent water during the first few years will encourage the faster growth rate this cultivar is known for.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

  • Provide full sun for the densest form and best fall color.
  • Water consistently for the first 2-3 years to establish.
  • Allow ample space for its mature size.
  • Mulch around the base to conserve water.

Don't

  • Do not plant in a heavily shaded area.
  • Avoid planting in soil that stays constantly wet.
  • Don't amend the backfill soil heavily.
  • Do not prune excessively, which can damage its natural form.

Seasonal Care Calendar

TaskJanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Plant
Prune

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Symmetrical and reliable shade treeDurable street or park treeHandsome specimen for large lawns

Companion Plants

Acer palmatum Cornus kousa Viburnum Hosta Heuchera

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Shangri-la Maidenhair Tree questions

What zones can Shangri-la Maidenhair Tree grow in?

Shangri-la Maidenhair Tree 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 Shangri-la Maidenhair Tree deer resistant?

Yes — Shangri-la Maidenhair Tree is rated deer-resistant. Deer typically pass it over, though extreme hunger can override any plant's defenses.

When does Shangri-la Maidenhair Tree bloom?

Shangri-la Maidenhair Tree 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 Shangri-la Maidenhair Tree need full sun?

Shangri-la Maidenhair Tree does best in full sun (6+ hours).

Is Shangri-la Maidenhair Tree drought tolerant?

Yes — once established (usually after the first full season), Shangri-la Maidenhair Tree handles dry spells with minimal watering. Water deeply its first year to build the root system that makes that possible.

Keep exploring

Grow Shangri-la Maidenhair Tree 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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