Ficus eugenioides — Bushy

Overview

Ficus eugenioides is a bushy shrubs in the genus Ficus, part of the Moraceae family, with deciduous foliage. Ficus eugenioides 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 obliqua, commonly known as the small-leaved fig, is a tree in the family Moraceae, native to eastern Australia, New Guinea, eastern Indonesia to Sulawesi and islands in the southwestern Pacific Ocean. Previously known for many years as Ficus eugenioides, it is a banyan of the genus Ficus, which contains around 750 species worldwide in warm climates, including the edible fig (Ficus carica). Beginning life as a seedling, which grows on other plants (epiphyte) or on rocks (lithophyte), F. obliqua can grow to 60 m (200 ft) high and nearly as wide with a pale grey buttressed trunk, and glossy green leaves. Known as a syconium, the fruit is an inverted inflorescence with the flowers lining an internal cavity. Grow it in full sun and most soil types. In UK gardens it is hardy through an average UK winter (RHS H4). It works well for architectural, city and courtyard gardens, cottage and informal garden, patio and container plants and mediterranean climate plants.

Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Ficus obliqua

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 eugenioides 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 eugenioides

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 eugenioides?

Ficus eugenioides prefers full sun. It suits sheltered positions.

What soil does Ficus eugenioides need?

Ficus eugenioides 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.