AusBonsai

Hi all, just wanted to share this Ginkgo I've had for a few months, I had it in a Styrofoam box, I potted up in this pot for now. I find them a rather unusual and interesting tree.

I have a few questions/myths I've read, if anyone can help it'd be appreciated ;

Leaf reduction on a Gingko can be reduced by less water(treat like a pine), can anyone verify this?

Any ideas about defoliation on a Gingko? I've read mixed reports.

Does anyone have styling ideas or tips on this species?

Gingko biloba 'Maiden Hair Tree'
Height: 75 cm

Thanks,
Elias

hi elias, this tree looks like there's a good start here already. styling wise i thing that subtle movement is good and should be followed through but you will gain a better understanding when the tree is naked. i have no experience growing one. if it were my tree i would have a go and defoliate providing the tree is vigorous. the questiion being is this tree ready to be defoliated or does it need some more clip, grow and wire for now. the to smaller trunks should be sacraficed to allow to thicken. that main branch on the main trunk , growing forward towards thetop is a possible future leader to trunk chop to and gain more taper but again until naked its hard to tell from here. i also dont take everything written as gospel, some things i need to find out for my self.

What size tree is it Elias? It looks to be quite a big trunk and a tall tree as well. There should be plenty of info around the net on growing Ginkgo. I have never ventured out to get one because of the large leaf size but yours looks to be a good piece of material.


http://www.metrotrees.com.au/treehandbo ... iloba.html

Peter

Thanks for the reply guys.

I guess I didn't want to try defoliation on this tree, as it needs to recover from the repot for now. I guess the defoliation question is more aimed at finding out whether anyone has tried it on this particular species, maybe next season.

Peter thanks for link, here are some measurements:
Size of tree:
Height 75cm
Trunk base a little over 17cm across

Here is a couple more pics of base and the other side of the tree.

The natural shape is of an upright flame. This is also the style traditionally used for bonsai.
This tree would benefit from the removal of the thinner secondary trunks in the first instance.
Be advised that they don't grow bark over the wounds so use of a sealant of bark colour is mandatory.
Wiring should be avoided if possible because they scar easily. Upright growth is right for these anyway.
I believe that the correct spelling is Gingko biloba. Defoliation doesn't sound like a good idea.

interesting stymie, so all in all makes you wonder why they were ever used for bonsai.

Thanks for your reply Stymie, this is valuable information for styling this species. With regards to the thinner secondary trunks I'm still unsure, as I think these could aid in creating a 'Candle Flame' style in the future.
Something similar to this:
http://www.why-bonsai.com/bonsai_history_ginkgo.html

I believe this Gingko was styled by Dan Burton.

Anyways I'm sure this will a long term tree for me, with plenty to challenges and lessons to be learnt, and even though it is not the easiest tree to work with, I like having various species whether they be natives or exotic I suppose I think this will help to educate me and broaden my range on species, styles and techniques...


Cheers,
Elias

Fossils of Ginkos have been found in Central Australia. Does that mean we can call them natives?
Penny.

mudlarkpottery wrote:Fossils of Ginkos have been found in Central Australia. Does that mean we can call them natives?
Penny.

They have also been found throughout Tasmania. I dont think they are native to Australia, however, as we were called Gondwana at the time. So its a Gondwanative!!!!!!!

Beautiful tree, always wanted one myself:)

JayC

Just wanted to share with y'all this trees progression into autumn colour I just love how the whole tree changes to that butter yellow. This tree stands at 40cm
Anyone wanna share some Gingko colour of their own this autumn?

Cheers

All the Japanese gingko I have seen have been very large trees grown in the broom style but very tight not spread like a zelkova. With regards to defoliation I would only do it once in late spring or very early summer. These trees are very slow to heal so probably best slow grown.
Craig

Love to share but my triple truck one i recently got but it has all dropped already. I do have a mature 6 metre tree in the ground turning now if your interested. As for defoliation be very carefull. I know deaths have resulted. Treat them more like a conifer eventhough there decidious. If you hold the leaf up to the light you should be able to see the outline of needles inside. I have always wanted one and now that im south i can and have

Hi Noah they are best viewed bare so the structure can be seen. I have quite a few of them here but they are so slow and I think good ramification would take 2 life times
Craig

not a bonsai but for those that enjoy ginko here is my garden tree really coloured up last 3 days . I plan to propagate alot from this one.

Noah, WOW.