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Conservatory Greenhouse

Ficus microcarpa

curtain fig

A bushy evergreen shrub to 4m when grown in a container, with glossy dark green, ovate leaves; in warm climates grows into a large tree with abundant aerial roots

Other common names
Chinese banyan
ginseng
see moreglossy-leaf fig
Indian laurel
Maylay banyan
Synonyms
Ficus microcarpa 'Ginseng'

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Size
Ultimate height
Higher than 12 metres
Time to ultimate height
20–50 years
Ultimate spread
Wider than 8 metres
Growing conditions
Chalk
Clay
Loam
Sand
Moisture
Moist but well–drained
pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring Green
Summer Green Green
Autumn Green Black Purple
Winter Green
Position
  • Full sun
Aspect

South–facing or West–facing

Exposure
Sheltered
Hardiness
H1B
Botanical details
Family
Moraceae
Native to GB / Ireland
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
Ryukyu Is, Micronesia, Solomon Is, New Caledonia, SE Asia

How to grow

Cultivation

Grow outdoors in humus-rich moist but well-drained soil in full sun or partial shade with protection from wind in a frost-free area. Grow under glass in peat-free, loam-based compost in full or filtered light. Can be grown as a bonsai. See ornamental fig cultivation for more advice

Propagation

Propagate by seed, leaf-bud or semi-hardwood cuttings

Suggested planting locations and garden types
  • Patio and container plants
  • Low Maintenance
Pruning

Pruning group 1

Pests

May be susceptible to glasshouse red spider mite, thrips, mealybugs and scale insects under glass

Diseases

May be susceptible to honey fungus

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