Overview
Ficus americana is a bushy shrubs in the genus Ficus, part of the Moraceae family, with deciduous foliage. Ficus americana 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 americana, known as the jacquinia-leaved fig or Werckle's rubber tree, is a bushy deciduous shrub or tree within the Ficus genus. It thrives in full sun with a preference for west or south-facing, sheltered locations. This cultivar adapts well to fertile, well-drained soils including chalk, loam, and sand, favouring alkaline to neutral pH and moist but well-drained conditions. Hardy to UK zone H4, it is suitable for architectural planting, city and courtyard gardens, and patios, especially in Mediterranean climates. Propagation is possible through hardwood cuttings, layering, or suckers, with interest in spring and summer.
About the genus
Ficus is a genus of about 850 species of woody trees, shrubs, vines, epiphytes and hemiepiphytes in the family Moraceae. Collectively known as fig trees or figs, they are native throughout the tropics with a few species extending into the semi-warm temperate zone. Many Ficus species are grown for their fruits, though only two species, the common fig and sycamore fig, are cultivated to any extent, with common fig being the type species and by far the most important.
Wikipedia contributors, "Ficus", CC BY-SA 4.0 — Ficus
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 americana 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 americana
- 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 americana?
Ficus americana prefers full sun. It suits sheltered positions.
What soil does Ficus americana need?
Ficus americana 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 americana hardy in the UK?
Ficus americana 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 americana?
Propagate by hardwood cuttings, by layering or from suckers.
