Overview
Ficus carica 'Ice Crystal' (F) is a bushy shrubs in the genus Ficus, part of the Moraceae family, with deciduous foliage. It typically grows around 2.5-4 metres tall and 2.5-4 metres wide, reaching full size in around 10-20 years. Ficus carica 'Ice Crystal' (F) grows best in full sun, and tolerates most soils and alkaline and neutral pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H1b. Suggested uses include houseplants, conservatories and greenhouses.
About
Ficus carica 'Ice Crystal' is a bushy deciduous shrub belonging to the genus Ficus, known for its edible fruit. It typically grows to a height and spread of 2.5 to 4 metres, reaching full size over 10 to 20 years. This cultivar thrives in full sun with a sheltered aspect, favouring south-, west-, or east-facing positions. It adapts well to various soil types including chalk, loam, sand, and clay, preferring moist but well-drained or well-drained alkaline to neutral soils. 'Ice Crystal' offers seasonal interest throughout spring, summer, autumn, and winter.
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, Clay
- Soil pH
- Alkaline, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Moist but well-drained, Well-drained
- Aspect
- South-facing, West-facing, East-facing
- Exposure
- Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H1b
Plant details
Ficus carica 'Ice Crystal' (F) size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Shrubs, 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
- Houseplants, Conservatories, Greenhouses
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Ficus carica 'Ice Crystal' (F)
- Propagation
- Semi-ripe cuttings
- Pest resistance
- Glasshouse red spider mite, Thrips, Mealybugs, Scale insects
- Disease resistance
- Honey fungus
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to plant Ficus carica 'Ice Crystal' (F)?
Ficus carica 'Ice Crystal' (F) prefers full sun. It suits sheltered positions.
What soil does Ficus carica 'Ice Crystal' (F) need?
Ficus carica 'Ice Crystal' (F) is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including chalk, loam, sand and clay. It prefers alkaline and neutral soil. Aim for soil that stays moist but well-drained to well-drained.
How big does Ficus carica 'Ice Crystal' (F) grow?
Ficus carica 'Ice Crystal' (F) reaches a height of 2.5-4 metres and a spread of 2.5-4 metres. It takes around 10-20 years to reach full size.
Is Ficus carica 'Ice Crystal' (F) hardy in the UK?
Ficus carica 'Ice Crystal' (F) has an RHS hardiness rating of H1b, meaning it needs subtropical warmth of 10–15°C and must be grown under glass in the UK.
How do I propagate Ficus carica 'Ice Crystal' (F)?
Semi-ripe cuttings.
