Ficus
( FYE - kuss )
At-A-Glance InformationThis genus includes evergreen and deciduous trees, shrubs and vines, some of which produce edible fruit. All need regular water, though exposure needs vary depending on the species grown. This genus has a very wide variety of great species, all of which are relatively easy to grow.
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Ficus Species and Varietals
The best growing zones for Ficus and Fig trees vary depending on the species. For more information, see the descriptions below. To find your zone, click here: Zone Map. The following list is divided into two categories: Ornamental and Fruiting.
Ornamental Species of Ficus
Ficus auriculata (Ficus roxburghii) This deciduous species briefly loses its leaves, and can be grown as a shrub or small tree. It is native to India and grows best in zones 20-24, H1 and H2. It reaches 15-25 feet tall and wide, and has large leaves. Large fruits (more ornamental than edible) are produced in clusters on the trunk and in the framework of larger branches. This species can be shaped into a small tree, espaliered, or planted in a large container. It is wonderful near swimming pools and needs full sun and some protection from wind. |
Ficus benjamina (Benjamin Tree, Benjamin Fig, Weeping Ficus) Best in zones 13, 23, 24, H1, H2 or grown as an indoor specimen, this Fig is native to India and Malaysia. In ideal growing conditions, these trees can reach up to 60 feet tall and just as wide or wider. Great for a shade tree or specimen tree for large areas. This species will spread via an invasive surface root system. In California, this tree often is about half the size, and is used as an entryway or patio tree. Leaves are shiny green and drooping. New plants are easy to propagate from cuttings taken in late spring or summertime. Needs a frost-free, wind-protected location to perform well, but can be grown in either sun or shade. This species is a popular houseplant. Variety 'Exotica' has wavy-edged leaves. |
Ficus deltoidea diversifolia (Mistletoe Fig) This evergreen shrub grows well in zones 19-24, H1, H2 or indoors, and is native to Southeast Asia. It is a slow grower to 8-10 feet tall and about half as wide, with an interesting open, twisting branch pattern. Leaves are thick and dark green, and specked with tan and black. Green to yellow fruit is produced continuously throughout the year. As an outdoor plant, it is commonly grown in a container on patios. It needs partial shade for good performance. |
Ficus elastica (Rubber Tree) This species is an evergreen shrub or tree, and grows best in zones 13, 16, 17, 19-24, H1 and H2 or indoors as a container plant. Rubber Tree is native to India and Malaysia. It can reach 60-100 feet tall, but is most commonly seen topping out at about 40 feet, and used as a small tree or shrub in shaded patios and garden entrances. Comes back quickly if killed by frost. Great in containers; this is a foolproof indoor plant that needs partial to full shade if grown outdoors. |
Ficus lyrata (Fiddleleaf Fig) This commonly grown houseplant can be a tree or vining shrub, grown best in zones 22-24, H1, H2 or indoors. Fiddleleaf Fig is native to tropical areas of Africa, and has large, veined leaves that are glossy and dark green. In its natural habitat, it forms a round-headed tree 35-50 feet tall and 35 feet wide; in California, is is commonly seen more around 20 feet tall and wide. These trees are great near swimming pools, and branching can be encouraged via pinching when young. Needs full sun to light shade, and is a great houseplant. |
Ficus microcarpa (Ficus retusa) (Indian Laurel Fig, Chinese Banyan) This species is an evergreen tree that grows well in zones 9, 13, 16-24, H1 and H2. It is native from Malay to Borneo. It quickly reaches 60 feet tall and 75 feet wide in its natural habitat, and to 25-30 feet tall and 35-40 feet wide in garden landscapes. New foliage is light rose to chartreuse, maturing to a light green. This tree has a weeping form, but can be sheared into a formal hedge if desired and is also a popular bonsai subject. Susceptible to Thrips in California. Variety 'Green Gem' has thicker, darker green leaves than the species and is not affected with the Thrip issue. Needs full sun for best performance. |
Ficus pumila (Ficus repens) (Creeping Fig) This species takes the form of an evergreen vine and is best in zones 8-24, H2, H2 or as an indoor plant. Creeping Fig is native to China, Japan, and Australia, and attaches itself like a barnacle to structures. It can grow in sun or shade, but can burn if sun is too intense. Bears long, oblong fruits. Cut to the ground every few years to keep it in check, and control by removing fruiting stems from time to time. Roots are invasive. Varieties include 'Minima' (with shorter, narrower leaves), 'Variegata' (with white markings on foliage), and Ficus pumila quercifolia (also called Ficus pumila 'Oakleaf', with small lobed leaves that resemble those of Oak trees.) |
Ficus rubiginosa (Rustyleaf Fig) Evergreen species of tree that grows well in zones 18-24, H1 and H2 and is native to Australia. It can be single or multi-trunked, and reaches 20-50 feet tall and 30-50 feet wide. Foliage is dense, deep green with rusty undersides, and produces hanging aerial roots. Varieties include 'Variegata' (with mottled green and cream foliage), and Ficus rubinosa australis, which has a less pronounced rusty color on leaf bottoms. This species requires full sun for best performance. |
Fruiting Varieties of Ficus
Ficus carica is a species of Ficus grown for its sweet fruit, and is native to western Asia and the eastern Mediterranean region. These trees are fast-growing, reaching 15-30 feet tall and wide, but where temperatures are cooler, it is mostly seen as a shrubby plant. They can be grown in containers, espaliered, or be allowed to keep their natural habit in the ground. Trunks become gnarled with old age, and branch structure is generally pleasing. They bear crops twice a year, once in early summer on the previous year's wood, and once in late summer or early fall on the current season's growth.
Ficus carica 'Black Jack'
This variety has fruit with purple skin and sweet pink flesh. Great when grown in warmer climates; fruit dries well on the tree. |
Ficus carica 'Celeste'
('Blue Celeste', 'Celestial') This tree produces violet-tinted fruit with rosy-amber flesh. Great as fresh fruit, and also dries well on the tree in warm climates. |
Ficus carica 'Conadria'
Thin-skinned fruit with violet-blushed white skin. Flesh is white to red and has good flavor. Can take intense heat without splitting open. |
Ficus carica 'Desert King'
Fruit with green skin and red flesh, better in cooler climates like the Northwestern United States. Bears fruit one time in summer. |
Ficus carica 'Genoa' ('White Genoa')
This variety produces fruit with green-yellow skin and strawberry to yellow flesh. Great in coastal valleys in California. |
Ficus carica 'Improved Brown Turkey'
Brown-purple fruit on a tree that does well in most climates. Great small garden tree. |
Ficus carica 'Italian Everbearing'
Large, brownish-red fruit that is good when eaten fresh or dried. |
Ficus carica 'Kadota' ('White Kadota')
Greenish-yellow tough skinned fruit that grows well in hot, interior valleys. |
Ficus carica 'Lattarula' (Italian Honey Fig)
Green skinned fruit with amber flesh. Good in the Northwest, where it ripens in summer and fall. |
Ficus carica 'Mission' ('Black Mission')
Large tree that produces purple-black figs with pink flesh that are good fresh or dried. Popular variety grown in California. |
Ficus carica 'Osborn Prolific' ('Neveralla')
Dark red-brown skin and amber flesh tinged with pink. Sweet fruit; best when eaten fresh. Great in coastal areas of Northern California and the Pacific Northwest. Does not bear well in warm climates. |
Ficus carica 'Panachee'
Skin on fruit is green-yellow and has dark green stripes. Flesh is strawberry colored and sweet, but somewhat dry. Best when eaten fresh. Produces one crop late in summer after a long, warm growing season. |
Ficus carica 'Peter's Honey' ('Rutara')
Green-yellow skinned fruit with amber flesh. Needs lots of warmth to produce well. |
Ficus carica 'Texas Everbearing'
Fruit has mahogany to purple skin, with strawberry colored flesh. Bears young and produces well in the Southwestern United States. |
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Caring for and pruning Ficus Trees
Propagation
Problems and Pests
Gallery
Videos
A video all about growing camellias successfully
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Propagating camellias
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Resources
The New Sunset Western Garden Book: The Ultimate Gardening Guide (2012) - Pages 321 - 323, Ficus, Fig
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