About
Ficus carica, the common fig, is a large deciduous shrub or spreading small tree to around 3 m tall and 4 m wide with bold, deeply palmately-lobed, rough-textured leaves. The inconspicuous flowers are hidden inside the developing fruits, which ripen to shades of green or purple and are delicious eaten fresh or dried. Many cultivated varieties have been developed from this species over thousands of years of cultivation.
About the genus
Ficus, the figs, are a large, diverse genus of evergreen or deciduous trees, shrubs and climbers producing leathery leaves and tiny flowers inside a hollow receptacle that develops into the characteristic fig fruit. They include important food crops, dramatic ornamental specimens and popular houseplants.
Growing conditions
SunlightFull sun
Soil typeChalk, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAlkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained, Well-drained
AspectWest-facing, South-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH4
Plant details
Plant typeShrubs, Trees, Fruit Edible
HabitBushy
FoliageDeciduous
Height2.5-4 metres
Spread2.5-4 metres
Time to full height10-20 years
Suggested usesArchitectural, City and courtyard gardens, Cottage and informal garden, Patio and container plants, Mediterranean climate plants
Native toW Asia
ToxicityHumans/Pets: Harmful to skin with sunlight. For further information and contact numbers regarding pets, see the HTA guide to potentially harmful plants
Care notes
CultivationBest 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
PruningIn mid-spring remove a proportion (1/4 to 1/3) of older branches. For further information see fig cultivation
PropagationPropagate by hardwood cuttings, by layering or from suckers
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to glasshouse red spider mite, thrips, mealybugs and scale insects under glass
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to honey fungus