About Ginkgos

Ginkgo biloba is the sole survivor of a group of trees which grew on this planet over 200 million years ago and it has changed very little in all that time.

It has survived all our planetary climatic changes and even survived the atomic bomb dropped at Hiroshima in the Second World War. This tree was the closest living organism to the epicentre of the bomb and although blown apart above the ground, sent shoots up after the war and now has a shrine dedicated to it at Hiroshima. It is a true survivor being very tough and untouched by any pests or diseases. Every part of the tree is used in Chinese folk medicine and it is gaining popularity in the West.

Even without these attributes the Ginkgo makes a remarkable feature in any garden and is renowned for its spectacular yellow autumn colour. Often seen as a large tree in parks and gardens there are many varieties of Ginkgo biloba available. Some of these can easily be grown in a small garden. All are very well suited to container growing where they will live happily for many years with minimal attention and occasional feeding. We have several ten year old specimens thriving in pots. We graft our special Ginkgos onto onto seedlings of Ginkgo biloba, ready to thrive in your garden.

There are now many cultivars offering a myriad of differing growth habits. At Big Plant Nursery we have teamed up with expert propagator and grafter Ian FitzRoy to help bring to the market a wonderful selection of these fascinating plants.

Ginkgo biloba

Maidenhair Tree

One of the most versatile and beautiful trees we grow. The fresh green leaves flutter on the branches with the slightest breeze, making this ancient tree a very attractive feature in any garden. The leaves turn a stunning butter yellow in the autumn before falling. This tree will cope with all soils and situations and can reach over 8 metres in height - if this is too large then have a look at our smaller growing cultivars; there is a size and shape for everybody!

We currently have the following in stock....

120 - 140cm tall;

£24.50

Ginkgo biloba

'Autumn Gold'

A stunning vigorous Ginkgo which develops into a medium sized specimen which when young can produce shoots up to one metre long clothed in delicate butterfly-like leaves. As the name suggests the leaves turn a rich gold colour in autumn and remain on the branches longer than most other Ginkgos.

We currently have the following in stock....

3 litre plants;

£24.50

Ginkgo biloba

'Barabits Nana'

This rare form is peculiar by being a very compact shrub-like plant but with slightly larger leaves than the species creating a very ornamental effect. Perfect where space is limited and stunning in a container.

We currently have the following in stock....

3 litre plants;

£24.50

Ginkgo biloba

'Chi Chi'

A rare dwarf Ginkgo which forms a choice rounded multi-stemmed shrub making it a fabulous container plant for the connoisseur.

The name 'Chi Chi' roughly translates to 'breast' the name given to protrusions which can form on the stems from which leaves can sprout hence this plant is sometimes called 'Tit'!

We currently have the following in stock....

3 litre plants;

£24.50

Ginkgo biloba

'Fairmount'

An American selection which makes a very architectural formal looking specimen, incredibly columnar in habit. It has a tendency for rapid growth when young and quickly develops into a fine specimen tree.

This is ideal for the smaller garden where space is limited and an upright tree is required.

We currently have the following in stock....

3 litre plants;

£24.50

Ginkgo biloba

Forest Collection

A wonderful group of 3 young Maidenhair trees all growing together forming a mini forest; a perfect addition to your patio or container collection.

These plants are hardy, not susceptible to pests or diseases and may even benefit your health! Spend many a happy hour imagining you are a giant in the land of trees...

We currently have the following in stock....

3 litre plants;

£29.99

Ginkgo biloba

'Horizontalis'

As the name of this plants suggests, the habit of this Ginkgo is remarkablt flat growing and although it may be trained upright initially, in time this plant will resemble a huge umbrella. It is marvellous in pots where it quickly assumes a strikingly shaped plant. Also looks stunning planted near a low wall or on a rockery where the cascading branches can tumble over for dramatic effect.

We currently have the following in stock....

3 litre plants;

£24.50

Ginkgo biloba

'Mariken'

This is a very recent introduction discovered in The Netherlands in the mid 1990's, and named after a famous historical statue close by. The growth is very slow and incredibly compact eventually forming a spherical mass of leaves. This is probably the best of the dwarf Ginkgos for container cultivation.

We currently have the following in stock....

3 litre plants;

£24.50

Ginkgo biloba

'Saratoga'

Another excellent American selection from the famous Saratoga Research Institute. This is a remarkably shrubby plant and the foliage is narrow and resembles small, half-open fans. It grows densely and is overall an enchanting lacy outline in the landscape. Makes a superb tall specimen for a pot.

We currently have the following in stock....

3 litre plants;

£24.50

Ginkgo biloba

'Tremonia'

A German selection which is wonderfully columnar but differs from the other fastigiate forms due to its heavily textured blue-green foliage. This tree makes a very narrow specimen, ideal for planting in groups or for use in the small garden where it will take up very little room.

We currently have the following in stock....

3 litre plants;

£24.50

Ginkgo biloba

'Troll'

A lovely form of the Ginkgo with compact, bushy growth. Ideal as a container plant on the patio where after several years it will form a stunning leafy specimen tree that is not too large. Ideal if you would like a Ginkgo but do not have very much space - and much better behaved than a real life Troll as well!

We currently have the following in stock....

3 litre plants;

£24.50

Ginkgo biloba

'Tubifolia'

A fascinating shrubby tree with thin, twiggy growth. This forms two distinct types of foliage: on mature wood the leaf is fused to resemble a small green trumpet while the younger wood produces a classic Ginkgo leaf but with a more jagged outline. As the tree matures, the majority of the foliage will be trumpet shaped. Very unusual and highly sought after.

We currently have the following in stock....

3 litre plants;

£24.50