Ginkgo Biloba 'Tubifolia' – A Living Fossil with Sculptural Elegance
Meet Ginkgo biloba 'Tubifolia', a botanical rarity with sculptural charm and poetic depth. This compact and slow-growing cultivar stands out for its extraordinary tube-like leaves, which appear mostly at the ends of the branches, forming from fused leaf bases into shapes reminiscent of tubas or curled ribbons. A true conversation piece for every garden or terrace.
This deciduous male tree grows upright and compact, reaching a height of up to 4 meters over time. With an annual growth rate of just 5–25 cm, it’s perfect for smaller spaces, front gardens, Japanese or rock gardens, and thrives even in a large container on your terrace. Over the years, it develops a striking crown or, in some cases, an elegant columnar form.
In autumn, its long-stemmed, fan-shaped leaves transform into a brilliant golden yellow, turning this ancient tree into a seasonal highlight. ‘Tubifolia’ is exceptionally resilient, adapting well to urban climates, tolerating temperature fluctuations, and requiring little maintenance. It prefers a sunny to semi-shady spot and well-drained garden soil. Its deep root system ensures stability – just keep it at least 5 meters from buildings. Occasional light pruning is welcome; heavier pruning is best done in late winter, after the frost.
Though flowering is rare (typically only after 35–40 years), the tree’s graceful catkins appear between April and May— a patient reward for ginkgo lovers. And since this is a male tree, you avoid the mess and smell associated with female ginkgo fruits.
A Tree with Poetic Roots
Did you know the ginkgo tree inspired one of Johann Wolfgang von Goethe’s most beautiful love poems? Dedicated to Marianne von Willemer, Goethe’s words reflect the tree’s mysterious duality and unity — a sentiment echoed by the unusual, elegant foliage of 'Tubifolia':
This tree leaf, from the east,
To my garden entrusted,
Gives secret sense to taste,
How it edifies the knowing.
Is it a living being
That in itself separates?
Is it two that choose each other,
That they be known as one?
To answer such questions
I found the right sense.
Do you not feel in my songs,
That I am one and double?
Available now at TOMs FLOWer CLUB
Ginkgo biloba 'Tubifolia' – approx. 80 cm including pot – is ready to become the centerpiece of your garden or terrace. This stunning cultivar is not only a botanical highlight, but also a living piece of natural history and romantic symbolism.
✔ Hardy and low-maintenance
✔ Perfect for container or garden planting
✔ Rare sculptural foliage
✔ Symbol of longevity, resilience, and duality
Bring home a timeless classic — a tree of myth, medicine, and meaning.
🌿 Order your Tubifolia now at TOMs FLOWer CLUB.
