Ginkgo biloba ‘Troll’ (Maidenhair Tree)

Ginkgo biloba ‘Troll’ is a distinctive dwarf cultivar of the ancient and revered Ginkgo biloba tree. Prized for its compact, rounded form, ‘Troll’ brings the majestic beauty of the Ginkgo to smaller gardens and spaces.

Ginkgo biloba ‘Troll’: An In-depth Look

‘Troll’ is a slow-growing, dwarf variety that stands out for its compact, bushy habit. Its name, suggestive of its miniature stature, makes it an enchanting addition to any garden. Unlike its towering relatives, ‘Troll’ is manageable and perfect for small-scale landscapes. It is commonly known as the maidenhair tree due to the resemblance of its leaves to the pinnae of the maidenhair fern (Adiantum genus).

Native: Originally from China, Ginkgo biloba is the last surviving member of a group of ancient plants believed to have inhabited the earth up to 270 million years ago.

Plant Type and Habit: This deciduous conifer exhibits a dense, globular form, making it an excellent choice for those seeking the historical and aesthetic appeal of Ginkgos without the extensive space requirements. It typically grows in a bushy mound, although it can be trained to grow as a small pyramidal tree. It is particularly noted for its sculptural quality and slow rate of growth. Ginkgo biloba is known for its longevity, with some specimens living over a thousand years.

Size: ‘Troll’ is considerably smaller than standard Ginkgo biloba trees, reaching about 2-3 feet (60-90 cm) tall and wide. This modest size makes it ideal for containers, rock gardens, and small garden beds.

Flowers: As a male cultivar, ‘Troll’ produces small, inconspicuous yellow-green catkins in the spring. These flowers are not particularly showy and do not lead to fruit production, sparing gardeners the cleanup associated with female Ginkgo varieties.

Fruits: Being a male variety, ‘Troll’ does not produce the messy, malodorous fruits characteristic of female Ginkgo trees. This attribute makes it a preferred choice for residential and public spaces.

Foliage: The foliage of ‘Troll’ is identical to that of larger Ginkgo trees, featuring the same unique, fan-shaped leaves that turn a brilliant golden yellow in the fall. This dwarf variety offers the same breathtaking autumn display in a more compact form.

Bark: The bark of Ginkgo biloba is light gray, deeply furrowed, and provides significant winter interest with its rugged texture.

Hardiness: Ginkgo is exceptionally hardy, tolerating zones 3-9.

Award: Recipient of the prestigious Award of Garden Merit of the Royal Horticultural Society.

Uses: Ginkgo biloba ‘Troll’ is versatile in the landscape. Its dwarf size makes it suitable for use in small gardens, urban landscapes, and as a specimen in mixed borders. It is also an excellent choice for container planting, allowing it to be featured on patios, terraces, and in courtyard gardens. Its unique form and year-round interest make it a focal point wherever it is planted.

Wildlife: Ginkgo biloba does not significantly attract wildlife due to its lack of nectar-rich flowers or fleshy fruits.

Deer and Rabbits: Ginkgo biloba is highly resistant to damage from deer, making it an excellent choice for areas where these animals are prevalent.

Drought / Salt Tolerance: Once established, Ginkgo biloba is highly drought-tolerant, requiring minimal irrigation. It is also salt, heat, and pollution tolerant.

Toxicity: This Ginkgo biloba cultivar is not toxic to humans and pets.

Invasiveness: Ginkgo biloba is not considered invasive. Its slow growth rate and specific reproductive biology limit its spread.

How to Grow and Care for a Ginkgo Tree

Sunlight: Ginkgo biloba prefers full sun but can tolerate partial shade. Full sun encourages the best fall color.

Soil: Ginkgo is adaptable to a wide range of soil types but prefers well-drained soils. It can grow in acidic, neutral, or alkaline pH levels.

Water: Water young trees regularly until established. Mature trees are drought-tolerant but benefit from occasional deep watering during extended dry periods.

Fertilization: Ginkgo trees generally do not require much fertilization. If growth seems slow, apply a balanced fertilizer in early spring.

Pruning: Prune during dormancy in late winter or early spring. Remove any dead, damaged, or diseased branches and thin out dense areas to improve air circulation.

Mulching: Apply a 2-3 inch layer of organic mulch around the tree’s base, extending out to the drip line but not touching the trunk. Mulch helps retain soil moisture, regulates soil temperature, and suppresses weeds.

Propagation: Propagate by semi-hardwood cuttings.

Pests and Diseases: Ginkgo biloba trees are remarkably resilient and have few significant problems regarding pests and diseases.