Ginkgo trees in Spain: choose space and a male cultivar

The ginkgo, Ginkgo biloba, is the only surviving species of an ancient plant lineage. It is instantly recognisable from its fan-shaped leaves, which can turn a clear butter-yellow in autumn. Its tolerance of urban pollution and relative freedom from serious pests make it useful in Spanish streets and parks, provided the roots have adequate soil volume and water during establishment.

A tree for space and patience

Ginkgo is slow-growing but eventually large, reaching 20 metres or more over many decades, with a spreading crown on an old tree. It is a poor choice for a small courtyard and a good one for a broad verge, a large garden or an avenue. Young trees are often narrow and awkward; the broad shape comes with age.

Choose a named male tree

Ginkgos are either male or female. Female trees produce plum-like seeds whose fleshy outer coat, as it decays on the ground, smells strongly of rancid butter and is unpleasant to walk through. For a garden or street planting, buy a grafted male cultivar such as 'Autumn Gold' or 'Princeton Sentry'. A seed-raised tree may take many years to reveal its sex.

Planting and early care

Plant in autumn or winter in reasonable soil with decent drainage, in full sun. Stake a young tree against wind-rock and water deeply but infrequently through the first few summers. Once established it needs little routine attention, although prolonged drought still warrants checking the soil rather than assuming the tree is indestructible.

Pruning

Ginkgo needs very little pruning beyond removing damaged or crossing branches on a young tree to build a sound framework. It does not respond well to hard cutting back, and a mature tree over a road or building should be assessed by a qualified arborist.

Where to see mature trees

Rather than judge the tree from a nursery whip, look at established specimens in Spanish botanic gardens and nineteenth-century public parks, where you can see the autumn colour, scale and habit of an old tree before deciding to plant one.

Sources and review

This guide was reviewed in September 2026 using the Kew Plants of the World Online record for Ginkgo biloba and Royal Horticultural Society guidance identifying male cultivars including 'Autumn Gold' and 'Princeton Sentry'.