Overview
Ficus macrophylla var. columnaris is a bushy shrubs in the genus Ficus, part of the Moraceae family, with evergreen foliage. Ficus macrophylla var. columnaris grows best in full sun and partial shade, and tolerates loam soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H1b. Suggested uses include houseplants and conservatory and greenhouse.
About
Ficus macrophylla, commonly known as the Moreton Bay fig or Australian banyan, is a large evergreen banyan tree of the mulberry and fig family Moraceae. It is native to eastern Australia, from the Wide Bay–Burnett region of Queensland in the north to the Illawarra region of New South Wales.
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Ficus
- Sunlight
- Full sun, Partial shade
- Soil type
- Loam
- Soil pH
- Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Moist but well-drained
- Aspect
- South-facing, West-facing, East-facing
- Exposure
- Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H1b
Plant details
Ficus macrophylla var. columnaris size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Shrubs, Trees, Fruit Edible
- Habit
- Bushy
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Suggested uses
- Houseplants, Conservatory and greenhouse
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Ficus macrophylla var. columnaris
- Propagation
- Semi-hardwood cuttings, Air layering
- Pest resistance
- Susceptible to glasshouse red spider mite, thrips, mealybugs, scale insects under glass
- Disease resistance
- Susceptible to honey fungus
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to plant Ficus macrophylla var. columnaris?
Ficus macrophylla var. columnaris prefers full sun and partial shade. It suits sheltered positions.
What soil does Ficus macrophylla var. columnaris need?
Ficus macrophylla var. columnaris grows best in loam soil. It is happy in soil of any pH. Aim for soil that stays moist but well-drained.
Is Ficus macrophylla var. columnaris hardy in the UK?
Ficus macrophylla var. columnaris 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 macrophylla var. columnaris?
Semi-hardwood cuttings, Air layering.
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
