Lemonlime Spire Ginkgo

Lemonlime Spire Ginkgo (Ginkgo biloba 'Lemonlime Spire') is a narrow, slow growing form of one of the oldest tree species on earth, reaching about 5m tall by only 1.5m wide after 10 to 15 years. Fresh lime green, fan shaped leaves line the column through the growing season, then turn a clear butter gold in autumn. It is the feature tree for the spot every other tree is too wide for.

Why you'll love it

• Fits where nothing else does. At around 1.5m wide it slots beside driveways, paths and boundary fences without crowding them.
• A true autumn event. The whole column turns gold at once, holds for weeks, then drops cleanly in a single carpet that rakes up in one pass.
• Non invasive roots. It is one of the safer feature trees to plant near paving, pipes and structures.
• Tough beyond its looks. Frost hardy, drought tolerant once established, and untroubled by wind, heat or poor soil.
• A male selection. It never produces the strong smelling fruit female seedling ginkgos are known for, so paths and lawns stay clean.

Where it works best

Feature planting. One tree beside an entry or courtyard gives lime spring growth, gold autumn colour and a fine architectural skeleton in winter.

Driveways and avenues. A repeated row along a drive gives formal rhythm without the width problems of most avenue trees.

Small gardens and pots. The slow rate and narrow habit keep it in scale with a courtyard for years, and it grows happily long term in a large container.

Growing Lemonlime Spire Ginkgo in Australia

Position and climate. Plant it in full sun. It is at its best in cool temperate, warm temperate and Mediterranean climates, where cold winters drive strong autumn colour. It is not a tree for the tropics or the humid subtropical coast.

Soil. Almost any soil with reasonable drainage, including poor ones. It dislikes permanently waterlogged ground, so mound the bed on heavy clay.

Water and feed. Water deeply once or twice a week through the first two summers. After that it is drought tolerant and needs help only in extended dry spells. A controlled release fertiliser each spring supports steady growth.

Pruning. Almost none. The column forms naturally, so pruning is limited to removing the odd crossing branch in winter. Never shorten the central leader.

What to expect when it arrives

We sell Lemonlime Spire as advanced trees in 400mm pots and 45L containers, with several seasons of nursery growth behind them and the columnar shape already visible. Ginkgos are slow, so an advanced tree means the waiting has been done for you.

Trees are delivered Australia wide, advanced and large stock is freighted at cost, and there is a minimum order of $300 before delivery. Being deciduous, a tree sent in winter may arrive bare and will leaf out on schedule in spring. Every tree is covered by our 30 day healthy plant guarantee.

Plant care guides and related reading

• Browse deciduous trees
• Feature trees for Australian gardens
• More plants with autumn colour
• Trees with non invasive roots

Common questions

How fast does it grow?

Slowly. Expect roughly 5m after 10 to 15 years in the ground, with the quietest progress in the first seasons while roots establish.

Can I plant it near paving or pipes?

Yes. Its root system is regarded as non invasive, a sensible choice beside driveways, paths and courtyards where roots rule out most trees.

Will it drop messy fruit?

No. As a male selection it never carries fruit. The only drop is the autumn leaf carpet, down in one short window.

Does it suit Brisbane and gardens further north?

It is best south of the humid subtropics, in cool temperate, warm temperate and Mediterranean climates. In hot, humid coastal gardens growth is weak and autumn colour unreliable, so choose a different narrow feature tree there.

Can it live in a pot?

Yes, for many years. Give it your largest, heaviest container, a premium potting mix and reliable summer water, and it will grow even more slowly than in the ground.