Species

Ginkgo bilobaGinkgo

13 other cultivars

tree

Magyar Ginkgo

Ginkgo biloba 'Magyar'

The Story

Plant Bio

Ginkgo biloba, the maidenhair tree, is a unique deciduous tree with no close living relatives, prized for its distinctive fan-shaped leaves and brilliant golden-yellow fall color.

'Magyar' is a male cultivar selected for its narrow, upright, and strongly pyramidal form, making it an excellent choice for street plantings and tight spaces without messy fruit.

Uses & Benefits:

A stately tree with a unique architectural form and stunning, reliable golden-yellow fall color. Its fan-shaped leaves are unlike any other temperate tree.

Extremely tolerant of urban conditions, including pollution, compacted soil, and salt spray, making it an ideal street and city tree. Its narrow form fits well in restricted spaces.

As a 'living fossil', it offers immense educational value. While not a major wildlife plant, its resilience makes it a sustainable choice for tough urban environments.

SpeciesGinkgo bilobaGinkgo

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Tree

Height

600"

Width

300"

Light

Full Sun, Partial Sun

Zones

4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9

Water

Low to Medium

Humidity

Adaptable

Lifespan

Very Long-lived

Native To

China

Toxicity

Non-toxic, but seeds can be toxic if eaten raw in large quantities.

Bloom period

Early spring – Mid-spring

In flower about 2 months of the year

Planting

How to Grow

Select a site in full sun with average, well-drained soil.
Dig a planting hole twice the width of the root ball.
Set the tree in the hole, with the root flare at or slightly above grade.
Backfill with native soil, watering to remove air pockets.
Water deeply and consistently for the first two years.
Apply a layer of mulch to conserve moisture, avoiding the trunk.

Pro Tip

Water regularly during the first few years to establish a deep root system; it becomes very drought tolerant once established.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Provide ample space for its ultimate height.
Be patient; ginkgos are slow-growing, especially when young.
Protect young trees from mechanical damage like lawnmowers.
Appreciate the simultaneous, clean leaf drop in autumn.

Don't

Do not plant in soggy, poorly drained soil.
Avoid planting female ginkgo trees near patios or walkways.
Don't perform heavy pruning, as it can ruin the natural form.
Do not amend the backfill soil.

Seasonal Care Calendar

Task	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Fertilize
Plant
Prune

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Excellent narrow street treeArchitectural specimen for formal gardensVertical accent in landscape design

Companion Plants

Fothergilla gardenii Hydrangea quercifolia Hakonechloa macra 'Aureola'Hosta sieboldiana 'Elegans'

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Magyar Ginkgo questions

What zones can Magyar Ginkgo grow in?

Magyar 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 Magyar Ginkgo deer resistant?

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

When does Magyar Ginkgo bloom?

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

Does Magyar Ginkgo need full sun?

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

Is Magyar Ginkgo drought tolerant?

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