About
A large, subtropical evergreen tree, over 20m high in its native range, with widely spreading branches and oval to elliptic, papery or slightly leathery leaves to 20cm long, with unevenly toothed edges. Small, round figs are produced in the leaf axils and on short stems directly from the trunk, beginning green and ripening to orange-red, with several crops produced over the year.
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
AspectEast-facing, North-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 savannahs and along the edges of rivers and streams
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