About

Ficus carica is a sizable shrub or a compact tree, typically reaching heights of about 3 meters and spreading up to 4 meters in width. It features broad, lobed leaves that are rounded in shape. The flowers are not particularly noticeable, but they are succeeded by edible fruit that matures to various shades of green and purple. Numerous cultivated varieties of fig have emerged from this species.

About the genus

Ficus comprises a range of evergreen and deciduous trees, shrubs, and climbing plants. The leaves are typically leathery and can be either simple or lobed. The species produce small flowers that develop inside a hollow structure, which then enlarges to produce the fruit.

Growing conditions

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

Plant type

Shrubs, Trees, Fruit Edible

Habit

Bushy

Foliage

Deciduous

Height

2.5-4 metres

Spread

2.5-4 metres

Time to full height

10-20 years

Suggested uses

Architectural, City and courtyard gardens, Cottage and informal garden, Patio and container plants, Mediterranean climate plants

Native to

W Asia

Toxicity

Humans/Pets: Harmful to skin with sunlight. For further information and contact numbers regarding pets, see the HTA guide to potentially harmful plants

Care notes

Cultivation

Best grown fan-trained against a warm wall or fence. It may require winter protection. Root restriction helps to control size and improves fruiting. Suitable for container cultivation. For further details see fig cultivation

Pruning

In mid-spring remove a proportion (1/4 to 1/3) of older branches. For further information see fig cultivation

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