Mail Order Ginkgo Plants: A Guide for UK Enthusiasts
- Tony Davies
- Mar 26
- 5 min read
Ginkgo biloba, often called the maidenhair tree, is a living fossil with a history stretching back millions of years. Its unique fan-shaped leaves and remarkable resilience make it a prized addition to any garden or collection. For those in the UK looking to expand their ginkgo collection or start one, mail ordering ginkgo plants offers a convenient and exciting way to access a variety of cultivars. In this post, I’ll share practical advice and insights on how to successfully mail order ginkgo plants in the UK, ensuring you receive healthy specimens that thrive in your garden.
Why Choose Mail Order Ginkgo Plants in the UK?
Mail ordering plants has become increasingly popular, especially for rare or unusual species like ginkgo. The UK’s climate suits ginkgo trees well, but finding diverse cultivars locally can be challenging. Mail order services bridge this gap by offering a wider selection, including rare cultivars that might not be available in garden centres.
Ordering ginkgo plants by mail allows you to:
Access a broader range of cultivars, including rare and unusual varieties.
Receive plants grown under controlled conditions, often with guarantees of health.
Save time and effort by having plants delivered directly to your door.
Support specialist growers and collections dedicated to conserving ginkgo diversity.
When you mail order ginkgo plants, you can expect to find young trees, saplings, or even seeds. Each option has its own benefits and considerations, which I’ll cover in the following sections.
How to Select the Right Ginkgo Plant When You Mail Order
Choosing the right ginkgo plant starts with understanding your garden’s conditions and your goals. Ginkgo trees are hardy and adaptable, but they do have preferences that affect their growth and appearance.
Consider Your Space and Climate
Ginkgo trees can grow quite large over time, reaching heights of 20-35 metres in ideal conditions. If you have limited space, look for dwarf or slow-growing cultivars. Some popular cultivars include:
Ginkgo biloba ‘Mariken’ - a compact, slow-growing variety ideal for smaller gardens.
Ginkgo biloba ‘Troll’ - another dwarf cultivar with a bushy habit.
The UK’s temperate climate suits ginkgo well, but young plants benefit from some protection during harsh winters. When ordering, check if the supplier provides advice on winter care.
Choose Between Seedlings, Saplings, or Mature Plants
Seeds: Growing ginkgo from seed is rewarding but requires patience. Seeds need stratification (a cold period) to germinate, and it can take several years before the tree shows its characteristic leaves.
Saplings: Young plants are easier to establish and give you a head start. They usually come in pots and are ready to plant out in spring or autumn.
Mature plants: These are less common in mail order but offer instant impact. They are more expensive and require careful handling during delivery.
Check Plant Health and Supplier Reputation
Before ordering, ensure the supplier has a good reputation for quality and customer service. Look for:
Clear photos of the plants.
Detailed descriptions of size, age, and cultivar.
Information on how plants are packaged and shipped.
Customer reviews or testimonials.
A reputable supplier will also provide guidance on planting and care, which is invaluable for first-time ginkgo growers.
Caring for Your Mail-Ordered Ginkgo Plant
Once your ginkgo plant arrives, proper care is essential to help it establish and thrive. Here are some practical tips:
Planting Location and Soil
Ginkgo trees prefer well-drained soil and full sun to partial shade. Choose a spot with enough room for the tree to grow without obstruction. Avoid waterlogged areas, as ginkgo roots do not like standing water.
Planting Steps
Prepare the hole: Dig a hole twice as wide and as deep as the root ball.
Amend the soil: Mix in some organic compost to improve soil fertility and drainage.
Plant carefully: Place the root ball in the hole, ensuring the top of the root ball is level with the soil surface.
Backfill and water: Fill the hole with soil, firm gently, and water thoroughly.
Watering and Feeding
Young ginkgo plants need regular watering during their first two years, especially in dry spells. After establishment, they are drought-tolerant. Use a balanced, slow-release fertiliser in spring to support growth.
Pruning and Maintenance
Ginkgo trees require minimal pruning. Remove any dead or damaged branches in late winter or early spring. If you want to shape the tree, do so carefully to maintain its natural form.
Exploring Rare and Unusual Ginkgo Cultivars
One of the joys of mail ordering ginkgo plants is the opportunity to discover rare cultivars. The UK National Collection of Ginkgo biloba & Cultivars plays a vital role in conserving these unique varieties. Some cultivars stand out for their leaf shape, colour, or growth habit:
Ginkgo biloba ‘Saratoga’: Known for its deeply lobed leaves.
Ginkgo biloba ‘Princeton Sentry’: A narrow, columnar form ideal for limited spaces.
Ginkgo biloba ‘Autumn Gold’: Famous for its brilliant yellow autumn foliage.
These cultivars add diversity and interest to any collection. When ordering, ask the supplier if they can provide these or other unusual varieties.
Tips for Successful Mail Ordering in the UK
Mail ordering plants can be straightforward if you follow some key guidelines:
Order at the right time: Early spring or autumn are best for planting. Avoid ordering in the middle of winter or summer heatwaves.
Check delivery options: Ensure the supplier ships to your location and uses secure packaging to protect the plants.
Prepare your garden in advance: Have your planting site ready before the plants arrive.
Inspect plants on arrival: Check for damage or signs of stress. Contact the supplier promptly if there are issues.
Follow aftercare instructions: Each supplier may have specific advice based on how the plants were grown and shipped.
By following these steps, you can enjoy a smooth experience and healthy ginkgo plants that enhance your garden.
Supporting the Conservation of Ginkgo Diversity
The UK National Collection of Ginkgo biloba & Cultivars is more than just a source of plants. It is a conservation effort aimed at documenting and preserving the genetic diversity of ginkgo trees. By choosing to mail order from specialist growers connected to this collection, you contribute to:
Protecting rare cultivars from extinction.
Promoting awareness of ginkgo’s unique botanical heritage.
Encouraging sustainable gardening practices.
This initiative hopes to establish a permanent, in-ground home for the collection, making it accessible for education and enjoyment. Your participation as a grower helps keep this remarkable legacy alive.
Mail ordering ginkgo plants in the UK opens up a world of possibilities for enthusiasts and collectors. With careful selection, proper care, and a bit of patience, you can cultivate these ancient trees and enjoy their beauty for decades. Whether you choose a classic ginkgo or a rare cultivar, each plant is a living link to a fascinating botanical history.
For those ready to explore the options, I recommend checking out trusted sources to mail order ginkgo plants uk and start your journey with these extraordinary trees today.
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