How big does Ginkgo grow?

About 6 m × 5 m after ten years (height × width). Its ultimate size is 15–25 m × 9–15 m.

What soil does Ginkgo grow in?

It tolerates these soils: average garden soil, clay, sandy, calcareous, acidic.

Hardy down to -34 °C (USDA zone 4, RHS H7). It gets through winter in every part of the country.

How far from the house should Ginkgo be planted?

Plant it at least 3 m from buildings. Keep it at least 1.5 m from paving.

How much water does Ginkgo need?

Water need: medium. Drought tolerance: high.

How much does Ginkgo cost?

It sells for roughly €20 to €420 in local shops, depending on size.

Ginkgo

Ginkgo biloba

Ginkgo (Ginkgo biloba) is a large tree that reaches 6 m × 5 m after ten years. Light: full sun. Hardy down to -34 °C. Drought tolerance: high. Sold in local shops from about €20.

Illustration of Ginkgo — An illustration of the typical shape of the mature plant, not a photo.

What it's good for, and what it isn't

A distinctive, ancient tree with fan-shaped leaves that all turn brilliant golden yellow at once in autumn. It has almost no pests or diseases, copes well with heat, polluted city air and, once established, drought, and its roots do not disturb paving. It grows slowly (about 5 to 6 metres in ten years) but becomes a large tree in time. Male and female flowers are on separate trees: the fleshy seeds that female trees drop in autumn smell very bad and are poisonous, and the sex of a seed-raised sapling is unknown, so buy a grafted male clone if you can.

Watch out for

It has no serious pests or diseases. The fleshy coat of the ripe seeds that fall from female trees gives off a penetrating stench like rancid butter and makes paths slippery; planting male clones is the only way to avoid it. Growth is slow and the crown sparse in the first years, roots rot in waterlogged soil, and young trees need watering in dry weather.

Key facts

Light: Full sun
Water need: Medium
Care: Low
Size after 10 years: 6 m × 5 m
Hardiness: down to -34 °C
Foliage: Deciduous
Flowering: J F M A M J J A S O N D April–May, green

Group	Large tree
Light	Full sun
Size after 10 years	6 m × 5 m
Ultimate size	15–25 m × 9–15 m
Hardiness	down to -34 °C (USDA 4, RHS H7)
Soil	Average garden soil, Clay, Sandy, Calcareous, Acidic
Foliage	Deciduous
Flowering	April–May, green
Water need	Medium
Drought tolerance	High
Maintenance	Low
Root aggressiveness	Low
Suckering	no
Spreading	Low
Distance from buildings	at least 3 m
Distance from paving	at least 1.5 m
Litter	Fruit, Leaves
Planting distance	800 cm
For dogs	Toxic (uncertain)
For cats	Toxic (uncertain)
For children	Toxic (uncertain)
Typical price	from about €20

Toxicity data is for information only. If your pet or child has eaten a plant, contact a vet or a doctor.

Sizes and prices available

The same plant is sold as a small pot and as a specimen several metres tall, and the price follows. Prices are rounded and for guidance only.

Size	Typical price
30-40 cm	approx. €52
60-80 cm	approx. €28
125-150 cm	approx. €110
175-200 cm	approx. €100
size not stated	approx. €24 – €420

Frequently asked questions

Data updated: October 8, 2026 · How our data is made

Appears in these lists

Drought-tolerant plants Drought-tolerant plants for sandy soil Plants that give shade Plants with autumn colour Large trees with autumn colour

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