Princeton Sentry Ginkgo
Ginkgo biloba 'Princeton Sentry'
Essentials
At a Glance
Plant Type
Tree
Height
540 inches
Width
210 inches
Light
Full 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; leaves are generally non-toxic.
The Story
Plant Bio
Ginkgo biloba is a large, deciduous tree often called a 'living fossil' due to its ancient lineage. It is prized for its distinctive fan-shaped leaves and high tolerance for urban conditions. 'Princeton Sentry' is a male cultivar selected for its narrow, upright, columnar form, making it an excellent choice for street plantings and tight spaces. It does not produce the messy, foul-smelling fruit associated with female trees.
Bloom Period:
Uses & Benefits:
Marketplace
Where to Buy
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Planting
How to Grow
- Choose a location with full sun and ample room for mature height.
- Dig a planting hole two to three times wider than the root ball.
- Position the tree so the top of the root ball is level with the soil.
- Backfill the hole with the original soil, gently tamping to remove air pockets.
- Water thoroughly immediately after planting to settle the soil.
- Apply a 2-3 inch layer of mulch around the base, avoiding the trunk.
Pro Tip
Ensure deep, infrequent watering during the first two years to encourage a strong, drought-tolerant root system.
Keep It Thriving
Care Guide
Do
- Provide consistent water during the establishment period.
- Allow soil to dry out slightly between waterings once established.
- Stake young trees in windy locations for the first year only.
- Remove any suckers that may appear at the base of the tree.
Don't
- Do not plant in poorly drained or waterlogged soils.
- Avoid heavy pruning, as it spoils the natural form.
- Do not pile mulch against the trunk, which can cause rot.
- Avoid planting female ginkgo trees unless you want the messy fruit.
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
Companion Plants
Multiply
Propagation Methods
Good to Know
Common Questions
Princeton Sentry Ginkgo questions
What zones can Princeton Sentry Ginkgo grow in?
Princeton Sentry 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 Princeton Sentry Ginkgo deer resistant?
Yes — Princeton Sentry Ginkgo is rated deer-resistant. Deer typically pass it over, though extreme hunger can override any plant's defenses.
When does Princeton Sentry Ginkgo bloom?
Princeton Sentry 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 Princeton Sentry Ginkgo need full sun?
Princeton Sentry Ginkgo does best in full sun (6+ hours).
Is Princeton Sentry Ginkgo drought tolerant?
Yes — once established (usually after the first full season), Princeton Sentry Ginkgo handles dry spells with minimal watering. Water deeply its first year to build the root system that makes that possible.
More Ginkgo to compare
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Ginkgo biloba 'Shangri-La'
Magyar Ginkgo
Ginkgo biloba 'Magyar'
Chi-Chi Maidenhair Tree
Ginkgo biloba 'Chi-Chi'
Mariken Ginkgo
Ginkgo biloba 'Mariken'
Jade Butterfly Maidenhair Tree
Ginkgo biloba 'Jade Butterfly'
Autumn Gold Ginkgo
Ginkgo biloba 'Autumn Gold'
Keep exploring
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Grow Princeton Sentry Ginkgo 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.
