Ginkgo biloba 'Roswitha'

Ginkgo biloba 'Roswitha' is a striking variegated ginkgo cultivar that transforms the already iconic fan-shaped leaf of the living fossil into something extraordinary. Named after the 10th-century German poet and playwright Hrosvitha of Gandersheim, 'Roswitha' carries the elegance of its namesake — each leaf splashed and streaked with creamy yellow variegation against a rich green base, creating a luminous, almost painted appearance. A true collector's cultivar and one of the most distinctive ornamental trees available.

Growth Form & Habit

'Roswitha' is a slow-growing, upright deciduous tree with a refined and graceful presence:

• Upright, broadly conical habit that becomes more open and architectural with age
• Slower growth rate than the species — ideal for smaller gardens, containers, and long-term bonsai development
• Elegant bare branching in winter reveals beautiful angular structure after leaf drop
• Grafted in Canada, ensuring cultivar authenticity and vigorous establishment

Foliage & Seasonal Interest

'Roswitha' delivers a spectacular and ever-changing seasonal display:

• Creamy yellow and green variegated foliage — each leaf uniquely patterned with streaks, splashes, and margins
• Variegation is most vivid in spring and early summer, softening slightly through the season
• Brilliant golden-yellow fall colour as the green portions transform to match the cream, creating a uniform gold display
• Deciduous — bare branches in winter reveal graceful, angular ginkgo structure

Ideal for Bonsai & Garden Use

Ginkgo biloba is a long-treasured bonsai subject, and 'Roswitha' brings an additional layer of visual drama with its variegated foliage — making it one of the most eye-catching bonsai specimens possible. In the garden, it excels as a focal point specimen, a patio container tree, or a standout addition to a Japanese-inspired landscape where its painted foliage commands attention from spring through autumn.

Why Choose 'Roswitha'?

• Stunning variegation: Creamy yellow and green leaves are unique among ginkgo cultivars — no two leaves are identical
• Living fossil: Ginkgo biloba has survived unchanged for over 200 million years — one of nature's most remarkable trees
• Brilliant fall colour: Golden-yellow autumn transformation is vivid and reliable, even on variegated foliage
• Exceptional hardiness: Zones 3–9 — thrives across the full range of Canadian climates
• Grafted in Canada: Cultivar-true grafted stock, acclimatized and ready to perform in Canadian conditions

Plant Specifications

This listing is for a grafted specimen in a 1 Gallon nursery pot. Measurements are approximate and will vary by individual plant.

Please note: Photos are representative of this cultivar and size range. The exact plant you receive may vary slightly in form. Variegation pattern and intensity will vary by individual plant and growing conditions.

Grown in Canada, for Canada. All our ginkgo stock is grafted and cultivated at our Canadian nursery, ensuring cultivar authenticity and plants that are fully acclimatized to Canadian growing conditions.