Overview
Ficus longifolia is a bushy shrubs in the genus Ficus, part of the Moraceae family, with deciduous foliage. Ficus longifolia 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 longifolia is a deciduous shrub or tree within the Ficus genus, known for its bushy habit and leathery leaves. It thrives in full sun and prefers a sheltered position with fertile, well-drained soil, including chalk, loam, or sand, with an alkaline to neutral pH. Hardy to UK zone H4, it is suitable for various garden styles such as architectural, city and courtyard, cottage, and Mediterranean-themed gardens. This cultivar is best propagated by hardwood cuttings, layering, or suckers and provides seasonal interest in spring and summer.
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 longifolia 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 longifolia
- 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 longifolia?
Ficus longifolia prefers full sun. It suits sheltered positions.
What soil does Ficus longifolia need?
Ficus longifolia 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.
Is Ficus longifolia hardy in the UK?
Ficus longifolia has an RHS hardiness rating of H4, meaning it is hardy through an average UK winter, tolerating -10 to -5°C.
How do I propagate Ficus longifolia?
Propagate by hardwood cuttings, by layering or from suckers.
More in the Ficus genus
- Ficus 'Panda'
- Ficus afghanistanica 'Silver Lyre'Afghanistan fig 'Silver Lyre'
- Ficus altissimacouncil tree
- Ficus americanajacquinia-leaved fig
- Ficus amplissimabat tree
- Ficus aspera
- Ficus australis
- Ficus barteri
