Overview
Ficus repens is a bushy shrubs in the genus Ficus, part of the Moraceae family, with deciduous foliage. Ficus repens 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 repens is a bushy, deciduous shrub cultivar within the Ficus genus, which includes a variety of evergreen and deciduous trees, shrubs, and climbers. This cultivar thrives in full sun on west- or south-facing, sheltered sites, preferring fertile, well-drained soils such as chalk, loam, or sand with neutral to alkaline pH. It is hardy to UK zone H4 and is suitable for architectural planting, city and courtyard gardens, as well as patios and Mediterranean-style gardens. Propagation can be achieved through hardwood cuttings, layering, or suckers, with 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 repens 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 repens
- 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 repens?
Ficus repens prefers full sun. It suits sheltered positions.
What soil does Ficus repens need?
Ficus repens 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 repens hardy in the UK?
Ficus repens 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 repens?
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
