Ginkgo: vase life, season, meaning and care for florists
Ginkgo biloba
Ginkgo (Ginkgo biloba, family Ginkgoaceae) usually lasts 5–10 days in a vase. In season: Autumn. Fragrance: none. Typical role in a design: branch.
- Botanical name
- Ginkgo biloba
- Family
- Ginkgoaceae
- Role in a design
- Branch
- Vase life
- 5–10 days
- In season
- Autumn
- Fragrance
- None
- Colours
- yellow, green
- Meaning
- Longevity and endurance — a living fossil that has outlived the dinosaurs
- Type
- Branch / foliage
- Pets
- Not flagged as toxic in our knowledge base — check the ASPCA list for the exact species
Cut flower commercial monograph
- Official name
- Ginkgo
- Botanical name
- Ginkgo biloba
- Family
- Ginkgoaceae
- Aliases
- None
- Native origin
- Temperate and subtropical regions worldwide
- Growth habit
- Woody perennial shrub or decorative branch with structural lignified stems.
- Stem length
- 80–120 cm
- Natural colours
- Yellow, Green
- Natural bloom
- Natural flowering in autumn
- Commercial supply
- Peak in autumn
- Harvest stage
- Harvest when buds show true colour and outer petals loosen (Stage 2–3).
- Vase life
- 5–10 days
- Cold storage
- Cold storage suitable (2–5°C constant temperature, high humidity).
- Special care
- Cut autumn branches when the fan-shaped leaves have just turned gold; once fully yellow they drop quickly. Keep away from heat.
- Application
- Serves primarily as Branch in modern floristry, ideal for table arrangements and event designs.
- Market notes
- Cut autumn branches when the fan-shaped leaves have just turned gold; once fully yellow they drop quickly. Keep away from heat.
For florists
Try Ginkgo in a client design
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Try it as a design — freeCare and conditioning
- Cut autumn branches when the fan-shaped leaves have just turned gold; once fully yellow they drop quickly. Keep away from heat.
Where it fits
| Use | Why | |
|---|---|---|
| Hospital visits and condolences | ✓ | Not strongly scented and no heavy pollen. Check that the ward accepts fresh flowers. |
| Weddings | ✓ | No pollen staining, and it lasts long enough to make up a day ahead. |
| Dining tables and restaurants | ✓ | Little or no scent, so it will not compete with the meal. |
| Homes with cats or dogs | ✓ | Not flagged as toxic in our knowledge base; still check the ASPCA list for the exact species. |
| Making ahead and next-day delivery | ✓ | About 5–10 days in a vase — fine to make up a day ahead. |
Pairs well with
These are available at the same time as ginkgo and have a similar vase life (foliage lasts at least as long), so the arrangement ages evenly:
| Flower | Role | Vase life |
|---|---|---|
| Rose | Focal flower | 5–7 days |
| Zinnia | Focal flower | 5–7 days |
| Red spider lily | Focal flower | 5–7 days |
| Cosmos | Filler flower | 5–7 days |
| Baby's breath | Filler flower | 7–10 days |
| China aster | Filler flower | 7–10 days |
Substitutes
When ginkgo is unavailable, out of season or priced up before a holiday, these fill the same role at the same time of year:
| Flower | Vase life | In season | Fragrance | Pets |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Maple branches | 7–14 days | Autumn | None | — |
| Bougainvillea | 4–7 days | Spring, Summer, Autumn | None | — |
| Osmanthus | 3–5 days | Autumn | Strong | — |
| Photinia | 10–14 days | Year-round | None | — |
FAQ
How long does ginkgo last in a vase?
Usually 5–10 days, depending on variety, origin and conditioning.
When is ginkgo in season?
In season in autumn; at other times prices can run high or quality can vary.
How do you keep ginkgo fresh?
Cut autumn branches when the fan-shaped leaves have just turned gold; once fully yellow they drop quickly. Keep away from heat.
What does ginkgo symbolise?
Longevity and endurance — a living fossil that has outlived the dinosaurs. Flower meanings are popular conventions and vary between cultures.
What colours does ginkgo come in?
Naturally in yellow, green (not counting dyed stems).
What can I use instead of ginkgo?
Flowers with the same role, an overlapping season and a similar vase life: Maple branches, Bougainvillea, Osmanthus, Photinia.
Related guides
In season at the same time
ChrysanthemumLove-lies-bleedingMaple branchesWinterberryGlobe amaranthZinniaDahliaCelosia