The ginkgo normally grows as a medium-tall tree, which in our latitudes can be up to 20 meters high and, when old, around ten meters wide. Such a fan leaf tree needs a lot of space, so shrub-like varieties are particularly suitable for small gardens.
Which Ginkgo varieties are suitable as a shrub for small gardens?
Ginkgo bushes are available in several varieties, including 'Mariken', 'Tit', 'Baldi' and 'Troll'. These grow more compactly and smaller than traditional ginkgo trees, making them suitable for small gardens. The height varies depending on the variety.
Which Ginkgo varieties grow as a shrub?
The Ginkgo biloba is available in various cultivars, some of which also grow as a low shrub. These varieties include, for example:
- 'Mariken': Dwarf ginkgo with flat, spherical growth, as a standard stem or bush
- ‘Tit’: grows as an upright shrub or small-crowned tree
- 'Baldi': shrub or small tree with a spherical crown
- 'Troll': low, very densely leafy bush with good branching
These varieties are available from various garden centers either as stems (usually grafted onto a weakly growing rootstock) or as bushes.
How big does a ginkgo bush get?
Not only the growth habit, but also the height and width of the ginkgo bush depend on the respective variety.
'Mariken', for example, grows to a height of around 150 centimeters as a standard tree, 'Tit' grows up to five meters high and two meters wide and 'Baldi' reaches a height of up to two meters and a width of up to 50 centimeters. Only 'Troll' remains very low with a maximum height of 80 centimeters, but can grow up to one meter wide. 'Troll' is the only variety that grows naturally as a bush.
Can you keep a ginkgo small?
You don't want to have a ginkgo bush, but rather a "real" ginkgo tree in the garden and are wondering whether you can keep it small through targeted pruning? In principle, this is possible, but only possible for a few years, especially with planted specimens. At some point you will have problems limiting the growth of the tree. The same applies to specimens kept in pots, which should be planted out after a few years - this is the only way they can develop into their full beauty. Therefore, if you don't have enough space, it's better to choose a variety that stays small.
Can you also grow the ginkgo as a bonsai?
An exception is if you want to grow the ginkgo as a bonsai. However, experts recommend medium to large bonsai forms here, as the tree develops quite thick branches and large leaves. Large cuts and wiring should also be avoided, as the bark is very soft and is unlikely to form callus that would overgrow through wounds. You should cut back the shoots in spring and autumn.
Tip
How long can you keep a ginkgo in a pot?
Since ginkgo trees naturally grow very slowly and sometimes stagnate in their growth, you can cultivate a young ginkgo tree in a large container for several years. Make sure to cut back shoots and roots regularly to limit the growth of the tree. Regular (daily in summer!) watering and fertilizing is also important.
