Ficus rubiginosa
Port Jackson fig
A large, spreading evergreen tree to 10m in height or more, with leathery dark green, oblong or elliptic leaves to 15cm in length, at first rusty-hairy. Small greenish fruits ripen to greenish-brown
Other common names
Botany Bay figlittle-leaf fig
see moreNew South Wales banyan tree
rusty fig
rusty-leaved fig
Size
Ultimate height
8–12 metresTime to ultimate height
20–50 yearsUltimate spread
Wider than 8 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drained, Well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Green | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Green | Green | Green | |
| Autumn | Green | Brown Green | ||
| Winter | Green | Brown Green |
Position
- Full sun
- Partial shade
Aspect
South–facing or West–facing or East–facing
Exposure
Sheltered Hardiness
H1BBotanical details
- Family
- Moraceae
- Native to the UK
- No
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Habit
- Bushy
- Potentially harmful
- Skin allergen. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling
- Genus
Ficus can be evergreen or deciduous trees, shrubs or climbers, with often leathery, simple, entire or lobed leaves and tiny flowers borne within a hollow receptacle which enlarges to form the fruit
- Name status
Correct
- Plant range
- Australia
How to grow
Cultivation
Under glass grow in loam-based potting compost with added fine bark chippings in full or filtered light. When in growth water moderately and apply a nitrogen rich fertiliser monthly. Keep just moist in winter. Plants benefit from regular misting and from being stood on a pebble tray, particularly in a warm dry atmosphere. Their main requirement is an even temperature, in winter not below 13°C and without the sharp fluctuations found in so many houses. Avoid draughty situations and keep them away from heater fumes
Propagation
Propagate by seed at 15 - 21°C in spring or by semi-hardwood or leaf-bud cuttings in spring or summer
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Patio and container plants
- Low Maintenance
Pruning
Pests
May be susceptible to glasshouse red spider mite, thrips, mealybugs and scale insects under glass
Diseases
May be susceptible to honey fungus
Get involved
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