Weeping Ginkgo

Weeping Ginkgo (Ginkgo biloba 'Pendula')

Weeping Ginkgo (Ginkgo biloba 'Pendula') is a rare and captivating form of the ancient ginkgo tree, known for its distinctive pendulous branches and sculptural form. This deciduous conifer offers the same fan-shaped foliage and brilliant yellow fall color as the species but with a graceful, weeping habit that adds drama and elegance to any landscape. Its architectural shape, slow growth, and adaptability make it a prized specimen tree for gardens seeking unique focal point features with timeless appeal.

Distinctive Features

'Pendula' is not a uniform cultivar and must be trained when young to develop a leader, often supported on a stake or arbor to allow its branches to cascade dramatically. Over time, it forms a broad, weeping canopy with layered branches and deeply lobed, fan-shaped leaves that flutter in the breeze. The foliage turns a brilliant golden yellow in fall before dropping cleanly, offering seasonal spectacle with minimal mess. Mature size depends on training but often ranges from 6 to 12 feet tall and equally wide.

Growing Conditions

• Sun Exposure: Full sun for best growth and fall color development.
• Soil: Adapts to most soil types; prefers well-drained, sandy or loamy soils.
• Water: Moderate; tolerates short periods of drought once established.
• Humidity: Tolerant of urban conditions and a wide range of humidity levels.
• USDA Hardiness Zones: 4-9; highly adaptable and cold-hardy across much of the U.S.

Ideal Uses

• Focal Point Plantings: Unusual shape and seasonal color create dramatic garden interest.
• Courtyard or Entry Gardens: Compact size and elegant form suit formal and urban spaces.
• Specimen Tree: Excellent as a conversation piece or sculptural highlight.
• Asian-Inspired Designs: Natural fit for Zen gardens and contemplative landscapes.
• Containers and Raised Beds: Young trees can be grown in large containers with careful pruning.

Low Maintenance Care

Weeping Ginkgo is low maintenance once established, with very few pest or disease problems and excellent tolerance for environmental stress. Training is the most important early task to develop desired shape.

• Watering: Water deeply during dry spells, particularly in the first few years.
• Pruning: Train when young to establish structure; prune as needed to maintain cascading form.
• Fertilizing: Apply a balanced fertilizer in spring if growth is slow or foliage is pale.
• Pest and Disease Resistance: Exceptionally resilient; rarely bothered by pests or disease.
• Winter Care: Fully hardy; no winter protection required in listed zones.

Why Choose Weeping Ginkgo?

Weeping Ginkgo combines prehistoric lineage, bold fall color, and an unusual growth habit to create a one-of-a-kind ornamental tree that enhances gardens with both history and beauty.

• Unique Form: Cascading branches and fan-shaped leaves create sculptural interest.
• Brilliant Fall Color: Vibrant yellow foliage adds seasonal drama before dropping cleanly.
• Urban Tolerant: Adapts well to city environments and compact garden spaces.
• Extremely Hardy: Performs well in a wide range of soils and climates.
• Low Maintenance: Once trained, it requires little care and offers decades of beauty.

For an ornamental tree that offers unique form, autumn brilliance, and a story that spans millennia, Weeping Ginkgo (Ginkgo biloba 'Pendula') makes a stunning and enduring addition to any well-placed garden space.