Overview
Ficus aspera is a bushy shrubs in the genus Ficus, part of the Moraceae family, with deciduous foliage. Ficus aspera 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 aspera, the mosaic fig, a plant native to Vanuatu in the south Pacific region. The mosaic fig is used as an ornamental plant. The fruit are cauliflorous (fruit forming from their main stems or woody trunks rather than from new growth and shoots). It is also called the clown fig. In the garden it prefers full sun and most soil types. In UK gardens it is hardy through an average UK winter (RHS H4). Suggested uses include architectural, city and courtyard gardens, cottage and informal garden, patio and container plants and mediterranean climate plants. It tolerates alkaline and neutral soils, moist but well-drained, well-drained conditions and west-facing and south-facing aspects. Plant in fertile, well-drained soil. Provide support.
Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Ficus aspera
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 aspera 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 aspera
- 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 aspera?
Ficus aspera prefers full sun. It suits sheltered positions.
What soil does Ficus aspera need?
Ficus aspera 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 aspera hardy in the UK?
Ficus aspera 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 aspera?
Propagate by hardwood cuttings, by layering or from suckers.
