As old as the ginkgo is, it is also as mysterious. This tree, which is neither a true conifer nor a deciduous tree, existed many millions of years ago. The growth habit also varies greatly depending on the breeding.
What does the growth of a ginkgo tree look like?
A ginkgo tree grows rather slowly, usually 4-40 cm per year, and depending on the variety can reach a height of 1-30 meters. The growth habit varies, but the most common is a slender tree with sparse side branches that forms a broad crown as it ages.
How fast does a ginkgo grow?
Most varieties of ginkgo grow relatively slowly. Some do not gain more than four centimeters per year; for larger varieties the annual increase is around 30 to 40 centimeters.
How big can a ginkgo get?
In its homeland, the Ginkgo biloba grows to a height of 40 meters, sometimes even larger. In your own garden, depending on the variety, you should expect a final size of 25 to 30 meters. However, your ginkgo needs a lot of time to do this, but it can live for several hundred years.
In the first 20 to 25 years, the ginkgo grows mainly in height, so it remains quite slim. Only later does it grow wider and form a very stately crown. Therefore, give it a sufficiently large location when planting.
The most important things in brief:
- growing rather slowly
- Size depending on the variety up to over 30 m, dwarf varieties also up to approx. 1 m
- Mostly slender growth habit with few side branches
- special breeding forms: spherical crown or hanging branches
Tip
Even if the ginkgo grows slowly, it still needs a lot of space as it gets older. It's best to take this into account when planting, because transplanting won't suit him as well as he gets older.