Size
Ultimate height
1.5–2.5 metresTime to ultimate height
5–10 yearsUltimate spread
0.5–1 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Green | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Green | |||
| Autumn | Green | |||
| Winter | Green |
Position
- Full sun
- Partial shade
Aspect
East–facing or South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Sheltered Hardiness
H1BBotanical details
- Family
- Moraceae
- Native to the UK
- No
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Habit
- Bushy
- Potentially harmful
- Humans/Pets (dogs): Skin allergen, harmful if eaten. For further information and contact numbers regarding pets, see the HTA guide to potentially harmful plants
- 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
- Name status
Accepted
How to grow
Cultivation
Grow in houseplant compost, in bright indirect light and medium to high humidity, and position away from draughts. During growth water moderately and apply a high nitrogen fertiliser every month; water sparingly in winter. Topdress annually and repot every 2-3 years. See ornamental fig cultivation for more advice
Propagation
Propagate by semi-hardwood cuttings with bottom heat in spring or summer
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Houseplants
- Sub-tropical
- Conservatory and greenhouse
Pruning
See pruning group 1
Pests
May be susceptible to glasshouse red spider mite, thrips, mealybugs and scale insects
Diseases
May be susceptible to honey fungus
Get involved
The Royal Horticultural Society is the UK’s leading gardening charity. We aim to enrich everyone’s life through plants, and make the UK a greener and more beautiful place.