Species

Ginkgo bilobaGinkgo

13 other cultivars

tree

Chi-Chi Maidenhair Tree

Ginkgo biloba 'Chi-Chi'

The Story

Plant Bio

Ginkgo biloba is a unique deciduous tree, a living fossil with no close living relatives, known for its distinctive fan-shaped leaves. It is highly tolerant of urban conditions and pests.

'Chi-Chi' is a dwarf, slow-growing male cultivar, often multi-stemmed, that forms a dense, shrubby habit. It is prized for small gardens and sometimes develops interesting corky growths (chi-chi) on the trunk.

Uses & Benefits:

'Chi-Chi' offers unique fan-shaped leaves that turn a stunning, clear yellow in autumn. Its dwarf, shrubby form and interesting bark provide multi-season architectural interest, making it a superb specimen for small gardens and containers.

As a male clone, it provides the beauty of a ginkgo without the messy and malodorous fruit. Its extreme tolerance to pollution, salt, and compacted soils makes it an ideal choice for challenging urban environments.

While not a keystone species in North America, its resilience and longevity allow it to contribute to the urban canopy for centuries. It is largely unbothered by pests, reducing the need for pesticides.

SpeciesGinkgo bilobaGinkgo

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Tree

Height

120 inches

Width

120 inches

Light

Full Sun, Partial Sun

Zones

4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9

Water

Low to moderate

Humidity

Adaptable

Lifespan

Very long-lived

Native To

China

Toxicity

Seeds are toxic if ingested in large quantities; flesh can cause dermatitis.

Bloom period

Mid-spring – Late spring

In flower about 2 months of the year

Planting

How to Grow

Select a location with full sun and well-drained soil.
Dig a hole two to three times the width of the root ball.
Position the plant so the top of the root ball is level with the soil.
Backfill with the original soil, gently firming it around the roots.
Water thoroughly after planting to settle the soil.
Apply a layer of mulch to conserve moisture, avoiding the trunk.

Pro Tip

Requires minimal pruning; only remove dead, damaged, or crossing branches to maintain its beautiful natural form.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Water regularly during the first year to establish a deep root system.
Tolerate urban pollution and poor soils; it's a tough plant.
Allow it to grow into its natural, sculptural shape.

Don't

Do not overwater once established as it is drought tolerant.
Avoid planting female ginkgos near walkways due to messy, foul-smelling fruit.
Do not perform heavy pruning, which can ruin its structure.

Seasonal Care Calendar

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

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Architectural specimen for small spacesUnique foundation plantingContainer or rock garden feature

Companion Plants

Hosta Hakonechloa macra Buxus sempervirens Heuchera Dryopteris erythrosora

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Chi-Chi Maidenhair Tree questions

What zones can Chi-Chi Maidenhair Tree grow in?

Chi-Chi 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 Chi-Chi Maidenhair Tree deer resistant?

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

When does Chi-Chi Maidenhair Tree bloom?

Chi-Chi Maidenhair 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 Chi-Chi Maidenhair Tree need full sun?

Chi-Chi Maidenhair Tree does best in full sun to part shade. In hot climates, afternoon shade keeps blooms fresher longer.

Is Chi-Chi Maidenhair Tree drought tolerant?

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