Slovakian Princess Ginkgo

Slovakian Princess Ginkgo (Ginkgo biloba 'Slovakian Princess')

Slovakian Princess Ginkgo is a distinctive variegated selection of the ancient ginkgo, featuring fan-shaped leaves splashed and edged with creamy yellow that turn clear gold in fall; a slow-growing, upright tree suited to compact gardens and refined urban plantings.

Distinctive Features

Variegated Foliage: Green fans irregularly edged and streaked with creamy yellow for season-long contrast; Brilliant Fall Color: Leaves transform to luminous gold before a clean, near-simultaneous drop.

Growing Conditions

• Sun Exposure: Full sun for best variegation and fall color.
• Soil: Well-drained loam or sandy soil; adaptable to a range of urban soils.
• Water: Moderate moisture while establishing, then occasional deep soaks; tolerant of short dry spells once rooted.
• USDA Hardiness Zones: 4 to 8.
• Mature Size: Typically 10 to 15 ft tall and 4 to 7 ft wide in 10 years; ultimately larger with age.

Ideal Uses

• Focal Point: Variegated fans and golden fall show anchor entries and courtyards.
• Narrow Spaces: Upright habit fits beds, patios, and along paths.
• Urban Landscapes: Handles city soils, heat, and air pollution.
• Specimen Container: Performs in large planters with sharp drainage.

Low Maintenance Care

• Watering: Deeply water during the first growing seasons; reduce frequency as roots establish.
• Pruning: Minimal; lightly shape in late winter to maintain a balanced leader and remove crossing twigs.
• Fertilizing: Feed in early spring with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer if growth is weak.
• Mulching: 2 to 3 in organic mulch over the root zone, kept off the trunk, to conserve moisture.
• Notes: Typically grafted male to avoid fruit; protect young bark from sunscald and mechanical damage.

Why Choose Slovakian Princess Ginkgo?

• Season-Long Interest: Cream-edged foliage and brilliant gold fall color.
• Compact Habit: Slender form suits small gardens and tight sites.
• Urban Toughness: Tolerant of heat, pollution, and varied soils.
• Low Care: Minimal pruning and modest water needs once established.

Plant in full sun with well-drained soil and light seasonal care to showcase its elegant variegation and radiant autumn display.