About
A large, subtropical evergreen tree, over 30m high in its native range, with buttressed trunks, widely spreading branches, and sometimes aerial roots that can hang down to the ground, forming secondary trunks. Leaves are oval to elliptic and leathery, with brownish undersides, and can be up to 30cm long. Small, round figs are green with cream spots and ripen to purple.
About the genus
Ficus can be evergreen or deciduous trees, shrubs or climbers, with often leathery, simple, entire or lobed leaves and tiny flowers borne within a hollow receptacle which enlarges to form the fruit
Growing conditions
SunlightFull sun, Partial shade
Soil typeChalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained, Well-drained
AspectEast-facing, South-facing, West-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH1B
Plant details
Plant typeTrees
HabitSpreading branched
FoliageEvergreen
HeightHigher than 12 metres
Spreadwider than 8 metres
Time to full height20-50 years
Suggested usesArchitectural
ToxicitySkin allergen. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling
Care notes
CultivationThrives in fertile soil, in its native range it is found in subtropical and warm temperate rainforests (minimum temperature 10°C). Rarely grown in gardens due to its size and aggressive root system
PruningPruning group 1
PropagationPropagate by seed or by semi-hardwood cuttings
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to aphids and scale insects
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to honey fungus