About
A bushy evergreen shrub to 4m when grown in a container, with glossy dark green, ovate leaves; in warm climates grows into a large tree with abundant aerial roots.
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
Soil typeChalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained
AspectSouth-facing, West-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH1B
Plant details
Plant typeConservatory Greenhouse
HabitBushy
FoliageEvergreen
HeightHigher than 12 metres
Spreadwider than 8 metres
Time to full height20-50 years
Suggested usesPatio and container plants
Native toRyukyu Is, Micronesia, Solomon Is, New Caledonia, SE Asia
ToxicitySkin allergen. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling
Care notes
CultivationGrow outdoors in humus-rich moist but well-drained soil in full sun or partial shade with protection from wind in a frost-free area. Grow under glass in peat-free, loam-based compost in full or filtered light. Can be grown as a bonsai. See ornamental fig cultivation for more advice
PruningPruning group 1
PropagationPropagate by seed, leaf-bud or semi-hardwood cuttings
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to glasshouse red spider mite, thrips, mealybugs and scale insects under glass
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to honey fungus