Ginkgo Companion Plants: Enhancing Your Garden with These Beautiful and Beneficial Trees

Are you a fan of the Ginkgo tree? If so, you may be interested in learning about its companion plants. Companion planting is a gardening technique where different plants are grown together to benefit each other. In this blog post, we'll explore some of the best companion plants for Ginkgo trees.

Why Choose Ginkgo Trees?

Before we dive into companion plants, let's briefly discuss why Ginkgo trees are such a great choice for any garden. Ginkgo trees are beautiful, long-lived trees that can live for hundreds of years. They have unique fan-shaped leaves that turn a vibrant yellow in the fall. Ginkgo trees are also extremely hardy and can tolerate a wide range of soil types and growing conditions. Additionally, they are resistant to pests and diseases, making them a low-maintenance option for any gardener.

Companion Plants for Ginkgo Trees

Now that we've discussed the benefits of Ginkgo trees, let's take a look at some of the best companion plants to grow alongside them.

1. Hostas

Hostas are shade-loving plants that are perfect for growing under the canopy of a Ginkgo tree. They come in a variety of colors and sizes and can add a pop of color to your garden. Additionally, hostas require little maintenance and can help suppress weeds.

Care Tips:

- Plant hostas in well-draining soil.
- Water regularly, especially during dry spells.
- Divide plants every few years to keep them healthy.

2. Ferns

Ferns are another great option for planting under Ginkgo trees. They thrive in shade and can add texture and depth to your garden. Additionally, ferns are low-maintenance and require little water.

Care Tips:

- Plant ferns in well-draining soil.
- Water regularly, especially during dry spells.
- Mulch around the base of the plant to help retain moisture.

3. Azaleas

Azaleas are a popular choice for companion planting with Ginkgo trees. They are known for their vibrant flowers and can add a burst of color to your garden in the spring. Additionally, azaleas prefer acidic soil, which is often found under Ginkgo trees.

Care Tips:

- Plant azaleas in well-draining, acidic soil.
- Water regularly, especially during the first year after planting.
- Fertilize with a slow-release fertilizer in the spring.

4. Hydrangeas

Hydrangeas are another beautiful flowering plant that pairs well with Ginkgo trees. They prefer partial shade and can thrive in the dappled sunlight provided by the tree's leaves. Additionally, hydrangeas come in a variety of colors and can add a pop of color to your garden.

Care Tips:

- Plant hydrangeas in well-draining soil.
- Water regularly, especially during hot weather.
- Fertilize with a slow-release fertilizer in the spring.

5. Japanese Maples

Japanese Maples are a stunning tree that can be used as a focal point in your garden. They come in a variety of colors and sizes and can add a touch of elegance to any landscape. Additionally, Japanese Maples prefer partial shade and can thrive under the canopy of a Ginkgo tree.

Care Tips:

- Plant Japanese Maples in well-draining soil.
- Water regularly, especially during dry spells.
- Prune the tree regularly to maintain its shape.

6. Bleeding Hearts

Bleeding Hearts are a unique plant that adds a touch of whimsy to your garden. They have heart-shaped flowers that dangle from the branches and can add a pop of color to your garden in the spring. Additionally, Bleeding Hearts prefer partial shade and can thrive under the canopy of a Ginkgo tree.

Care Tips:

- Plant Bleeding Hearts in well-draining soil.
- Water regularly, especially during hot weather.
- Mulch around the base of the plant to help retain moisture.

7. Astilbes

Astilbes are a low-maintenance plant that can add texture and depth to your garden. They come in a variety of colors and can thrive in the shade provided by a Ginkgo tree. Additionally, Astilbes are deer-resistant, making them a great option for gardens where deer are a problem.

Care Tips:

- Plant Astilbes in well-draining soil.
- Water regularly, especially during dry spells.
- Mulch around the base of the plant to help retain moisture.

8. Daffodils

Daffodils are a classic spring flower that pairs well with Ginkgo trees. They come in a variety of colors and can add a burst of color to your garden in the early spring. Additionally, Daffodils are easy to grow and require little maintenance.

Care Tips:

- Plant Daffodils in well-draining soil.
- Water regularly, especially during the first year after planting.
- Fertilize with a slow-release fertilizer in the fall.

9. Daylilies

Daylilies are a hardy plant that can add a pop of color to your garden throughout the summer. They come in a variety of colors and can thrive in the dappled sunlight provided by a Ginkgo tree. Additionally, Daylilies are low-maintenance and require little water.

Care Tips:

- Plant Daylilies in well-draining soil.
- Water regularly, especially during hot weather.
- Divide plants every few years to keep them healthy.

10. Coral Bells

Coral Bells are a unique plant that adds a touch of elegance to your garden. They come in a variety of colors and can thrive in the partial shade provided by a Ginkgo tree. Additionally, Coral Bells are low-maintenance and require little water.

Care Tips:

- Plant Coral Bells in well-draining soil.
- Water regularly, especially during hot weather.
- Divide plants every few years to keep them healthy.

FAQs

1. Can Ginkgo trees grow in full sun?

Yes, Ginkgo trees can tolerate full sun, but they also thrive in partial shade.

2. How do I care for my Ginkgo tree?

Ginkgo trees require little maintenance. Water the tree regularly, especially during the first year after planting. Prune the tree as needed to maintain its shape. Additionally, fertilize the tree with a slow-release fertilizer in the spring.

3. Can I grow Ginkgo trees in containers?

Yes, Ginkgo trees can be grown in containers. However, they will require more frequent watering and fertilizing than trees planted in the ground.

4. Can I plant other types of plants under my Ginkgo tree?

Yes, there are many other plants that can be planted under a Ginkgo tree. Some other options include Hellebores, Foamflowers, and Lungworts.

5. Can companion planting help reduce pests and diseases in my garden?

Yes, companion planting can help reduce pests and diseases in your garden. By planting different types of plants together, you can create an ecosystem that is less favorable to pests and diseases.



In Ginkgo trees are a great choice for any garden. They are hardy, low-maintenance trees that can live for hundreds of years. Additionally, by pairing Ginkgo trees with companion plants, you can create a beautiful and beneficial ecosystem in your garden. Whether you choose Hostas, Ferns, Azaleas, or any of the other plants listed here, your Ginkgo tree is sure to thrive.