Maidenhair tree 'Compacta' Ginkgo biloba 'Compacta'
ABOUT
Ginkgo biloba 'Compacta' has a rounded, compact form with a width of 5 to 6 feet and a height of 5 to 6 feet. Its lance-shaped leaves are 1 to 2½ inches long, deep green in color on the upper surface and slightly paler on the underside. Male plants produce small, light yellow, fruit-like structures. It is an upright, spreading tree with sturdy, columnar branches. Bright green buds form in the late winter to early spring, giving way to its fan-shaped leaves. It is a slow-growing tree, but still may reach 25 feet in the right circumstances.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Ginkgoaceae
Benefits
General Benefits1. Disease Prevention: Ginkgo biloba 'Compacta' contains antioxidants that can help reduce the risk of developing chronic diseases. 2. Improved Memory: Ginkgo biloba 'Compacta' has been found to boost cognitive function and improve memory recollection. 3. Reduced Inflammation: Ginkgo biloba 'Compacta' can decrease inflammation throughout the body and can help to reduce allergies. 4. Improved Circulation: Ginkgo biloba 'Compacta' can help to improve circulation throughout the body and improve the health of the cardiovascular system. 5. Stress Relief: Ginkgo biloba 'Compacta' can reduce stress levels and can help to reduce feelings of anxiety and depression. 6. Improved Vision: Ginkgo biloba 'Compacta' can improve the health of the eyes by reducing the risk of developing vision problems. 7. Improved Energy Levels: Ginkgo biloba 'Compacta' can improve energy levels and enhance overall physical and mental performance.
Medical Propertiesproperties. 1. Antioxidant Properties: Ginkgo Biloba 'Compacta' is known to be high in antioxidant properties, which help to protect the body from free radicals which can cause oxidative damage and lead to chronic illnesses such as heart disease and respiratory issues. 2. Anti-Inflammatory Properties: Ginkgo Biloba 'Compacta' is also known for its anti-inflammatory properties, which can help to reduce pain and inflammation associated with a wide range of ailments, from arthritis to allergies. 3. Cognitive Function: Ginkgo Biloba 'Compacta' is thought to improve cognition and has been used in traditional Chinese medicine to treat memory deficiencies and improve mental performance. 4. Circulatory Health: Ginkgo Biloba 'Compacta' has been known to improve circulation, as it helps to thin the blood and reduce the risk of clots. It can also help to improve heart and vascular health. 5. Mood Regulation: Ginkgo Biloba 'Compacta' has been known to have beneficial effects on mood regulation, as it helps to reduce stress levels and boost your mood. 6. Stress Reduction: The antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of Ginkgo Biloba 'Compacta' can help to reduce stress and improve overall health, as it helps to balance hormones and relax the body.
Air-purifying QualitiesThe Ginkgo biloba 'Compacta' plant is known for its air purifying qualities. It is an ideal houseplant that helps to reduce toxins, bacterial and particles in the air. It also absorbs volatile organic compounds (VOCs) which can lead to a wide range of health issues. As it grows, it is thought to release phytoncides or airborne chemicals from its leaves which reduce stress hormone levels and boosts moods. Additionally, it reduces the levels of carbon dioxide in the air for a more breathable atmosphere.
Other Uses1. Hedges - Compacta Ginkgo biloba can be planted along walkways and beside driveways to give a neat, trimmed effect. 2. Border Plant - The compact size of this Ginkgo biloba allows it to be used as a border plant in larger gardens and yards. 3. Windbreak - A row of Compacta Ginkgo biloba planted at intervals can be used to create a windbreak. 4. Rain Shelter - Ginkgo biloba 'Compacta' plants placed in a strategic location can be used as a shelter from heavy rain. 5. Ground Cover - This low-maintenance and adaptable tree can be used as a ground cover for slopes and other areas where grass does not grow. 6. Bee Attractant - The small yellow flowers of the Compacta Ginkgo biloba attract bees and other pollinating insects. 7. Privacy Screen - The compact size and narrow foliage of this tree make it an ideal choice for a privacy screen.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiIn Feng Shui, the Ginkgo biloba 'Compacta' plant is believed to bring luck, good health and abundance. It should be placed in the east or southeast area of your home in order to draw in luck, wealth and abundance and create a strong positive chi. Additionally, it can be placed near a window to attract positive and vibrant energies into your home. Avoid placing it in the north as it may weaken the chi of the home.
Zodiac Sign Compitability, the sign of the zodiac, or the planetary rulers for the associated sign. Ginkgo biloba 'Compacta' is best associated with the sign of Capricorn, ruled by Saturn. The qualities of this Ginkgo cultivar, being hardy and tolerant of harsh environments, is indicative of the resilient, grounded nature of the Capricorn sign.
Plant SymbolismGinkgo biloba 'Compacta' is an evergreen tree with a distinct, compact shape. This makes it a popular choice for gardens, as its size and shape are easily controllable. Symbolically, the unique aspect of Ginkgo biloba 'Compacta' is its ability to stay small and to remain orderly. It is a reminder of the need to stay focused and to take an organized approach when taking on big projects. This symbolizes that even when your workload may become too large, you can still maintain your composure and work diligently to achieve success.
WaterGinkgo biloba 'Compacta' should be watered when the soil is dry to the touch, usually every 7-10 days. The method of watering should be with a thorough soaking at the roots, rather than sprinkling the plant’s leaves with a small amount of water. Ginkgo biloba 'Compacta' needs enough water to keep the soil moist, but not wet. Don’t allow the soil to dry out completely or for it to become soggy.
Light. Ginkgo biloba 'Compacta' prefers bright indirect light, such as strong morning sun or bright dappled shade. It is best placed in an east- or north-facing window, or in a shady location near a south or west-facing window.
TemperatureThe best lighting conditions for Ginkgo biloba 'Compacta' is full sun for 6 to 8 hours per day during the summer and bright, indirect light during the winter.
Pruning. Pruning Ginkgo biloba 'Compacta' can be done in order to maintain its compact size and desired shape. Pruning should be done during the dormant season, typically in early spring before new growth appears. To prune, remove any dead, diseased, and crossed branches with pruning shears. Also, selectively remove weak and small branches to maintain the desired shape and size. Pruning should not be done more than once each year.
SoilWhen planting Ginkgo biloba 'Compacta', it is best to use a soil mix that has a slightly acidic pH of 6.0 to 6.5. This soil should be made up of equal parts compost and good-quality potting mixture, mixed with a small amount of coarse sand for drainage and one cup of slow-release fertilizer per 25 square feet. This mixture will help provide your Ginkgo biloba 'Compacta' with the best possible environment to grow and thrive.
Repotting. No, you do not need to repot the Ginkgo biloba 'Compacta'.
Humidity & MistingThe best humidity conditions for Ginkgo biloba 'Compacta' is 65-70% relative humidity. To increase humidity levels, try grouping plants together, misting the leaves, or placing a humidifier nearby. To decrease humidity levels, position the plant in a more ventilated area and use a fan to create airflow to the plant.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Ginkgo biloba 'Compacta' prefers temperatures between 65-75 degrees Fahrenheit, and should be placed in an area with bright light (but not direct sunlight). It should also be potted in slightly acidic soil that is well-draining, and watered regularly but not allowed to dry out completely. The plant should be kept in a pot that is at least 8 inches in diameter, and watered until the water runs out of the bottom of the pot. The soil should be kept slightly moist but not soggy. Fertilizing the plant should be done during the growing season (spring and summer) with a slow-release fertilizer.
Outdoor
Ginkgo biloba 'Compacta' prefers full sun exposure, but can also tolerate partial shade. It requires moist but well-drained soil and moderate temperatures, between 20-85 degrees Fahrenheit. This cultivar grows best in USDA Hardiness Zones 5-8 and reaches an ultimate height of 8-10 feet and a width of 4-7 feet.
Hardiness zone
4 - 8 USDA
Life cycleGinkgo biloba 'Compacta' is an ornamental tree that is native to many parts of East Asia. It is a deciduous tree, meaning it drops its leaves in the autumn every year. As a young sapling, Ginkgo biloba 'Compacta' will reach up to 6 feet in height and spread anywhere from 2 to 4 feet wide. As it matures, it will reach a max height of 30-40 feet with a spread of 20-35 feet. Its leaves are fan-shaped, up to 2 inches long, and have a pale green color when young, changing to a yellowish green in the summer and to a bright yellow in the autumn, fading to golden brown in the winter. The bark of an adult tree is cinnamon-brown in color and deeply furrowed. The blooming period for Ginkgo biloba 'Compacta' is during the spring and will attract many pollinators when it produces its yellow-colored flowers. While it is an adaptable species that grows in a wide range of soil conditions, it prefers well-drained, loamy soil and needs partial to full sunlight to thrive. Lastly, it thrives in temperatures between 30-40°F, and can live up to a thousand years.
PropogationPropogation for Ginkgo biloba 'Compacta' can work in a couple of ways. The most common method is via cuttings. Cut a branch about 6-8 inches long, with two or three fat buds. Remove the leaves from the bottom two or three inches. Dip the cut end in rooting hormone and stick it into a pot of moistened medium such as sand, soil and peanut hulls. Place the pot in a warm location, around 70-75 degrees Fahrenheit and lightly mist the leaves every other day. In six to eight weeks, the cutting will form strong roots and can be transplanted into its permanent spot. Another way to propagate Ginkgo biloba 'Compacta' is by sowing seeds. Choose firm, ripe seed cones in the fall. Crack open the rusty-brown cones and remove the fleshy tigrina coleoptile. Soak them overnight in lukewarm water, this will soften the seed coats, making it easier for them to germinate. Plant the soaked seeds in individual pots filled with a mixture of equal parts soil, sand and peat moss. Place the pots in a warm location, around 70-75 degrees Fahrenheit and lightly mist the soil every other day. Normally in about 4-10 weeks the seeds will germinate, sending out two or three true leaves and a longer tigrina coleoptile. Transplant the seedlings once the true leaves arrive.
