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Grind Stone Ginkgo

Ginkgo biloba 'Grind Stone'

Not currently listed at our partner nurseries.

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Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Tree

Height

60 inches

Width

42 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. 'Grind Stone' is a dwarf male cultivar, originating as a witch's broom. It forms a very dense, compact, rounded shrub with small leaves, making it an exceptional choice for rock gardens, containers, or small-space landscapes.

Bloom Period:

EarlyLate

Uses & Benefits:

'Grind Stone' offers the ancient beauty of a ginkgo in a miniature package. Its tight, bun-like shape and densely packed small leaves provide unique texture and form. In autumn, the entire plant turns a brilliant, clear yellow, becoming a tiny golden globe in the garden.

Its extremely slow growth and small mature size make it a perfect 'plant it and forget it' specimen for tiny gardens, rockeries, troughs, and permanent container displays. It requires virtually no maintenance or pruning.

Like its larger relatives, it is exceptionally tough and tolerant of urban pollution. Its primary ecological benefit is its sustainability in the landscape, requiring no pesticides or fungicides to maintain its health.

Marketplace

Where to Buy

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Shipping costs Year-round shipping Free shipping

Planting

How to Grow

Select a location in full sun with good drainage.
Dig a hole that is twice the width of the pot.
Gently remove the plant from its container.
Place it in the hole, with the root flare at soil level.
Backfill the hole with the excavated soil.
Water well to settle the soil around the roots.

Pro Tip

No pruning is needed to maintain its dense, globose shape. Just plant it in a sunny spot and enjoy its unique form.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Provide at least six hours of direct sunlight daily.
Water during extended periods of drought, especially when young.
Allow the soil to dry out between waterings.
Choose a permanent location, as it dislikes being moved.

Don't

Do not plant in waterlogged or constantly wet soil.
Avoid fertilizing heavily, which is unnecessary.
Don't prune the plant, as this will spoil its natural compact form.
Do not worry about pests or diseases.

Seasonal Care Calendar

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

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Unique specimen for rock gardensTextural accent in small bedsLong-term container planting

Companion Plants

Sedum Sempervivum Dwarf conifers Thymus Miniature Iris

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Grind Stone Ginkgo questions

What zones can Grind Stone Ginkgo grow in?

Grind Stone 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 Grind Stone Ginkgo deer resistant?

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

When does Grind Stone Ginkgo bloom?

Grind Stone 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 Grind Stone Ginkgo need full sun?

Grind Stone Ginkgo does best in full sun (6+ hours).

Is Grind Stone Ginkgo drought tolerant?

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