Overview
Ficus altissima is a bushy shrubs in the genus Ficus, part of the Moraceae family, with deciduous foliage. Ficus altissima grows best in full sun, and tolerates most soils and alkaline and neutral pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H4. Suggested uses include architectural, city and courtyard gardens, cottage and informal garden, patio and container plants and mediterranean climate plants.
About
Ficus altissima, commonly known as council tree or false banyan, is a bushy deciduous tree within the Ficus genus. This genus includes a variety of evergreen and deciduous trees, shrubs, and climbers, typically with leathery leaves and small flowers enclosed in a hollow structure that develops into fruit. Ficus altissima thrives in full sun and prefers sheltered, west- or south-facing positions with fertile, well-drained soil such as chalk, loam, or sand. It is hardy to UK zone H4 and is suitable for architectural planting, city gardens, patios, and Mediterranean-style settings. Propagation is possible through hardwood cuttings, layering, or suckers.
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Ficus
- Sunlight
- Full sun
- Soil type
- Chalk, Loam, Sand
- Soil pH
- Alkaline, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Moist but well-drained, Well-drained
- Aspect
- West-facing, South-facing
- Exposure
- Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H4
Plant details
Ficus altissima size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Shrubs, Trees, Fruit Edible
- Habit
- Bushy
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Suggested uses
- Architectural, City and courtyard gardens, Cottage and informal garden, Patio and container plants, Mediterranean climate plants
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Ficus altissima
- Propagation
- Propagate by hardwood cuttings, by layering or from suckers
- Pest resistance
- May be susceptible to glasshouse red spider mite, thrips, mealybugs and scale insects under glass
- Disease resistance
- May be susceptible to honey fungus
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to plant Ficus altissima?
Ficus altissima prefers full sun. It suits sheltered positions.
What soil does Ficus altissima need?
Ficus altissima is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including chalk, loam and sand. It prefers alkaline and neutral soil. Aim for soil that stays moist but well-drained to well-drained.
Is Ficus altissima hardy in the UK?
Ficus altissima has an RHS hardiness rating of H4, meaning it is hardy through an average UK winter, tolerating -10 to -5°C.
How do I propagate Ficus altissima?
Propagate by hardwood cuttings, by layering or from suckers.
More in the Ficus genus
- Ficus 'Panda'
- Ficus afghanistanica 'Silver Lyre'Afghanistan fig 'Silver Lyre'
- Ficus americanajacquinia-leaved fig
- Ficus amplissimabat tree
- Ficus aspera
- Ficus australis
- Ficus barteri
- Ficus benjamina 'Amstel Gold'
