Description
Ginkgo biloba 'Fastigiata Blagon' Shrub | Maidenhair tree
Maidenhair tree shrub Ginkgo biloba 'Fastigiata Blagon' is the narrow, upright shrub form of the Maidenhair tree, also known as Ginkgo tree. It is grown for its clearly defined, columnar outline, making it useful where a strong vertical accent is wanted without the visual spread of a broader plant form. The shrub reaches an average mature height of approximately 5 metres. During the growing season, it carries green, characteristic fan-shaped leaves. In autumn, the foliage develops a distinctive golden-yellow colour before falling, as this is a deciduous plant. Green flowers appear in April and May, but flowering is a subtle feature rather than the main ornamental attraction. According to the product data, this shrub is not fruit-bearing. The plant is hardy and low maintenance once established, which suits a range of UK gardens when it is placed in a sunny or partially shaded position. Its form and foliage make it a useful choice for adding height and structure in a controlled way. As a member of the ginkgo group, this specific shrub form offers the recognised fan-shaped foliage while keeping a narrow, upright garden presence.
Key features of the Maidenhair tree (Ginkgo biloba 'Fastigiata Blagon')
- Subtle flowering: Green flowers appear in April and May. Flowering is not the main ornamental feature of this plant, but it adds a quiet seasonal detail to the shrub.
- Distinctive foliage: The leaves are green and fan-shaped during the growing season. They turn golden yellow in autumn, giving the deciduous foliage a clear seasonal change before it falls.
- Aspect and soil: Choose a position in full sun or partial shade. The shrub prefers fertile, well-drained soil that remains open and free-draining. Neutral to slightly acidic soil is suitable, while persistently wet ground should be avoided because prolonged waterlogging can be a problem.
- Growth and form: This is a slow-growing shrub with an upright, narrow and columnar habit. The supplied shrub form has a defined vertical outline, rather than a broad or spreading appearance. It is a practical option for a shrub collection where structure and controlled width are important.
Uses of the Maidenhair tree shrub in the garden
- Specimen planting: The Maidenhair tree shrub works well as a specimen where its upright outline can be seen clearly. It can also suit a town garden, patio or container, provided the position and growing conditions support the plant.
- Hardy garden structure: The shrub is hardy to approximately -28.9°C to -23.3°C and corresponds to USDA zone 5. In UK gardens, a suitable position and well-drained soil remain important, particularly during mild, wet winter conditions.
- Vertical spatial effect: The narrow, columnar silhouette adds height without relying on a broad spreading habit. This makes the shrub form useful where a defined accent is wanted in a garden, on a patio or among container planting.
- Seasonal ornamental value: The fan-shaped leaves provide the main visual interest, with golden-yellow autumn colour adding a strong seasonal change. The upright outline remains an important part of the plant’s character while the foliage is present.
- Combining with other planting: Use lower-growing ornamental planting around the shrub so that its narrow outline and fan-shaped leaves remain visible. Other structurally contrasting garden plants can help support its vertical effect without hiding the distinctive form.
This shrub-form Maidenhair tree combines a distinctive upright outline with fan-shaped foliage and golden-yellow autumn colour, giving gardens, patios and containers clear structure through the growing season.
