Size
Ultimate height
1.5–2.5 metresTime to ultimate height
10–20 yearsUltimate spread
1–1.5 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drained, Well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Cream Green | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Cream Green | |||
| Autumn | Cream Green | |||
| Winter | Cream Green |
Position
- Full sun
- Partial shade
Aspect
South–facing or West–facing or East–facing
Exposure
Sheltered Hardiness
H1CBotanical details
- Family
- Moraceae
- Native to GB / Ireland
- No
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Habit
- Bushy
- Potentially harmful
- Humans/Pets (dogs): Skin allergen, harmful if eaten. For further information and contact numbers regarding pets, see the HTA guide to potentially harmful plants
- 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
Accepted
How to grow
Cultivation
Under glass grow in peat-free, 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, avoid draughty situations. See ornamental fig cultivation for more advice
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
The Royal Horticultural Society is the UK’s leading gardening charity. We aim to enrich everyone’s life through plants, and make the UK a greener and more beautiful place.