Species

Ginkgo bilobaGinkgo

13 other cultivars

tree RHS Award

The President Ginkgo Tree

Ginkgo biloba 'The President'

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 known for its distinctive fan-shaped leaves and incredible resilience in urban environments.

'The President' is a fruitless male cultivar selected for its strong central leader and dense, upright, pyramidal form. This structure makes it an excellent choice for street plantings and formal landscapes where messy fruit is undesirable.

Uses & Benefits:

The Ginkgo tree is a living work of art, prized for its unique, fan-shaped leaves that turn a brilliant, uniform gold in autumn. Its ancient lineage and distinctive form make it a powerful focal point in any landscape.

It is one of the most durable and pollution-tolerant trees available, making it ideal for challenging urban environments. Its deep root system is non-invasive, and male cultivars are clean, low-maintenance shade trees.

While not a major wildlife plant in North America, its resilience and ability to thrive in cities helps improve air quality, reduce the urban heat island effect, and provide canopy cover where other trees might fail.

SpeciesGinkgo bilobaGinkgo

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Tree

Height

600 inches

Width

300 inches

Light

Full Sun

Zones

4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9

Water

Low to medium

Humidity

Adaptable

Lifespan

Extremely long-lived, over 1000 years

Native To

China

Toxicity

Seeds are toxic if ingested in large quantities; foliage is non-toxic.

Bloom period

Mid-spring – Late spring

In flower about 2 months of the year

Planting

How to Grow

Select a site in full sun with well-drained soil.
Dig a hole twice as wide as the root ball, but no deeper.
Gently place the tree in the hole, ensuring it's straight.
Backfill with the excavated soil, watering to remove air pockets.
Water deeply once a week for the first year.
Apply a 2-inch layer of mulch around the base.

Pro Tip

Be patient; ginkgos are slow-growing initially but become majestic trees. Ensure you plant a male cultivar like 'The President' to avoid smelly fruit.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Provide full sun for best growth and fall color.
Water regularly during the first few seasons to establish roots.
Be patient with its slow growth rate.
Choose a male variety to avoid messy, foul-smelling fruit.

Don't

Do not plant in waterlogged or poorly drained soil.
Avoid heavy pruning, as it spoils the natural form.
Do not plant female trees near patios or walkways.
Don't worry about pests or diseases; it has virtually none.

Seasonal Care Calendar

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

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Durable and pollution-tolerant street treeStunning golden specimen for fall colorFormal accent in parks and large gardens

Companion Plants

Acer palmatum Fothergilla gardenii Hakonechloa macra 'Aureola'Hosta sieboldiana 'Elegans'Carex oshimensis 'Evergold'

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

The President Ginkgo Tree questions

What zones can The President Ginkgo Tree grow in?

The President Ginkgo 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 The President Ginkgo Tree deer resistant?

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

When does The President Ginkgo Tree bloom?

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

Does The President Ginkgo Tree need full sun?

The President Ginkgo Tree does best in full sun (6+ hours).

Is The President Ginkgo Tree drought tolerant?

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