Ginkgo biloba ‘Troll’ (Maidenhair Tree)

Ginkgo biloba ‘Troll’ is a distinctive dwarf cultivar of the ancient and revered Ginkgo biloba tree. Prized for its compact, rounded form, ‘Troll’ brings the majestic beauty of the Ginkgo to smaller gardens and spaces.

Ginkgo biloba ‘Troll’: Miniature Majesty, Maximum Charm

If garden space is limited and bold character is the goal, Ginkgo biloba ‘Troll’ is the answer. This charming, ultra-compact male ginkgo packs the ancient magic of the species into a slow-growing, globe-shaped shrub perfect for patios, containers, rock gardens, and urban landscapes.

A Living Fossil for Tiny Spaces: Like all ginkgoes, ‘Troll’ traces its ancestry back 200 million years—but as a dwarf cultivar, it makes a massive historical presence possible in the smallest garden bed. Named for its diminutive size and rounded habit, ‘Troll’ delivers glossy fan-shaped leaves, reliable autumn gold, and nearly maintenance-free personality.

Whether set in a patio pot, nestled into a rockery, or trained for bonsai, ‘Troll’ provides year-round interest, architectural character, and a living link to garden history. No other ginkgo fits so well into modern, compact landscapes.

Appearance and Seasonal Interest

Form & Foliage: ‘Troll’ is a dense, globe-shaped shrub with tight branching and glossy, fan-like foliage. Each spring, light green leaves emerge, darkening to blue-green through summer. In autumn, expect a dazzling display of gold—just like the largest ginkgoes, in miniature.

Winter Structure: Its short, thick branches and furrowed bark make for sculptural interest after leaf drop—always a standout among dormant winter plants.

Fruit-Free and Allergy Friendly: As a male cultivar, ‘Troll’ won’t produce messy fruit or cause allergies. All the glory, none of the hassle.

Why Plant ‘Troll’?

• Miniature magic: Packs ginkgo charm into the tiniest nook—ideal for patios and balcony pots
• Big gold in a small globe: Delivers the iconic autumn show, regardless of garden size
• Ultra low maintenance: Few pests, drought/salt/deer tolerant, pruning optional
• Bonsai-ready: Slow growth and dense branching are ideal for bonsai training
• Collector’s delight: Rare, ancient, and conversation-starting, this is a sought-after cultivar in collector gardens
• Award Winner: RHS Award of Garden Merit for exceptional performance

Cultural & Historical Significance

Ginkgoes have long been symbols of resilience, longevity, and natural wonder. ‘Troll’ makes this ancient heritage available for tiny gardens and urban spaces—proof that historic beauty fits any setting. The name captures its playful, magical appeal.

How to Grow and Care for ‘Troll’

Sunlight & Soil

• Sun: Full sun is best; tolerates partial shade, though fall color is best in bright exposure
• Soil: Adaptable to chalk, clay, loam, and sand; prefers well-drained soil, but accommodates almost all pH levels
• Water: Once established, requires minimal irrigation and is drought tolerant

Planting Tips

• Spacing: 24–36 inches is ideal for multiple plants; in containers or bonsai, single plants thrive solo
• Transplanting: Young plants move well; best handled during dormancy for less stress
• When to Plant: Spring and autumn are preferred, but container-grown ‘Troll’ can be planted any season

Water, Fertilizing, and Mulching

• Water: Deep watering is recommended during initial establishment; mature plants thrive on low water
• Mulch: Mulch 2–3 inches deep, kept clear of trunk, helps conserve moisture and suppress weeds
• Fertilizing: Apply balanced fertilizer in early spring if growth seems slow; often unnecessary in established sites

Pruning & Maintenance

• Pruning: Best done late winter/early spring; remove dead/damaged branches and thin for air circulation
• Pest & Disease: Rarely affected by bugs or disease; deer and rabbit resistant, pollution and salt tolerant

Landscaping Ideas

‘Troll’ fits a range of garden styles and settings.

• Patio container: Small size and globe form make it ideal for pots, terraces, and balconies
• Rock/alpine gardens: Stays perfectly rounded and compact amid stones, gravel, or moss
• Bonsai: Its dense shape and slow growth provide years of training and display for bonsai fans
• Accent plant: Adds sculptural interest and golden color to small beds or mixed borders
• Collector’s specimen: Rare and fascinating, ‘Troll’ is a must-have for those seeking unique conifers and living fossils

Propagation

• Method: Usually grafted to preserve dwarf, male, globe-shaped habit; semi-hardwood cuttings are also possible
• Maintenance: Shape or prune gently if desired; otherwise, let its natural globe shape lead

Common Problems & Solutions

• No fruit: Male clone is fruitless—no mess, no odor
• Slow growth: Natural and intended—offers structure, longevity, and easy control
• Leaf drop: Synchronous, easy—cleanup is simple and dramatic after frost
• Drought/salt/deer: Its celebrated resistance makes it perfect for tough-to-grow, high-traffic settings

Ginkgo Cultivars Comparison

Summary

Ginkgo biloba ‘Troll’ puts centuries of endurance, autumn color, and sculptural beauty into a shrub. In containers, beds, or bonsai, it’s the smallest way to plant a living fossil—and one of the most delightful.

Best Ginkgo Trees for Home Gardens