Ficus benjamina
weeping fig
An evergreen shrub or tree to 3m or more, with pendulous branches bearing glossy, slender-pointed ovate leaves to 12cm in length. Flowers insignificant, followed by reddish-orange fruits 1cm in length, becoming black
Other common names
Benjamin treeJava fig
see moreJava tree
small-leaved rubber plant
tropic laurel
waringin
Synonyms
Ficus nitida
Size
Ultimate height
2.5–4 metresTime to ultimate height
10–20 yearsUltimate spread
1.5–2.5 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Green | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Green | Green | ||
| Autumn | Green | Black Orange Red | ||
| Winter | Green |
Position
- Full sun
Aspect
South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Sheltered Hardiness
H1CBotanical details
- Family
- Moraceae
- Native to the UK
- No
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Habit
- Bushy
- Potentially harmful
- Skin allergen, harmful if eaten. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling
- 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
Correct
- Plant range
- S & SE Asia through Malesia to N Australia & SW Pacific
How to grow
Cultivation
Grow 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 loam-based compost in full or filtered light. See ornamental fig cultivation for more advice
Propagation
Propagate by seed, leaf-bud or semi-hardwood cuttings
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Patio and container plants
- Low Maintenance
Pruning
Pests
May be susceptible to glasshouse red spider mite, thrips, mealybugs and scale insects under glass
Diseases
May be susceptible to honey fungus
Get involved
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