About

Ficus carica 'Rouge de Bordeaux' is a bushy deciduous shrub that typically reaches a height of about 3 meters. Its foliage consists of large, deeply lobed green leaves. This cultivar produces sizable, dark purple fruits with sweet red flesh, known for their excellent flavor, during the summer and autumn months. It is a prolific bearer, with fruits ripening starting in September. This fig variety is also well-suited for container cultivation.

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, Clay

Soil pH

Alkaline, Neutral

Soil moisture

Moist but well-drained, Well-drained

Aspect

South-facing, West-facing

Exposure

Sheltered

UK hardiness

H4

Plant details

Plant type

Fruit Edible, Shrubs

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, Patio and container plants, Mediterranean climate plants, Cottage and informal garden

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.

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