Ficus carica

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FigTree, DeciduousFamily: Moraceae

Foliage colour:

Green

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Position

Sun Exposure:

Dappled shade, full sun

Aspect:

South facing, west facing

Position in Border:

Back, middle

Soil

Clay / Heavy / Moist / Well Drained / Light / Sandy

Fig, Ficus carica, is native to Syria and Persia, and has been grown in Britain since Roman times. Only a few varieties are hardy enough for outdoor cultivation on warm walls, where they survive most winters unscathed – very hard prolonged frosts may kill all the top growth, but plants revive from below ground. They are best trained on wires for ease of management, with the roots restricted (container cultivation is always successful), otherwise plants make more leaf than fruit.

Grow Ficus carica in a sheltered, sunny position such as against a south-facing wall, ideally in a container. Incorporate plenty of well-rotted manure or garden compost into the planting hole. Top dress with fresh manure or compost annually.

The sap of fig plants can be irritating to the skin and cause a severe reaction in hypersensitive people and pets. Some people are allergic to the figs themselves.

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Plant calendar

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDecPlantyesyesyesyesyesFlowersyes**yesFruitsyes**yesHarvestyes**yes

Ficus ‘Carica’ and wildlife

Ficus ‘Carica’ is known for attracting birds. It has seeds for birds.

Is not known to attract Bees

Bees

Is not known to attract Beneficial insects

Beneficial insects

Is known to attract Birds

Birds

Is not known to attract Butterflies/​Moths

Butterflies/​Moths

Is not known to attract Other pollinators

Other pollinators

Is Ficus ‘Carica’ poisonous?

Ficus ‘Carica’ irritates eyes and irritates skin. Its sap is toxic.

Toxic to:

Is known to attract Cats

Cats

Is known to attract Dogs

Dogs

Is known to attract People

People

No reported toxicity to:

Is not known to attract Birds

Birds

Is not known to attract Horses

Horses

Is not known to attract Livestock

Livestock

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