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Felder Rushing
Moraceae
Ficus carica
Fig
Common fig is a small deciduous tree native to the Mediterranean and western Asia and long cultivated for its edible fruit. Most common figs prefer dry summers and mild winters; hard freezes can kill them to the ground, but if the roots are protected, they will re-grow. The large, rich green, deeply lobed leaves and smooth gray bark are highly ornamental. Common fig often bears two crops per year with the second usually producing more and tastier fruit. There are many cultivars, differing in their characteristics and adaptability.
Common figs prefer full sun to partial shade in the hottest climates and well-drained, acid to alkaline soil. Avoid high nitrogen fertilizers which favor leafy growth over fruit production and mulch well to protect the roots from cold and suppress nematodes. Common fig works well as a specimen, culinary plant or in large containers. Plant it where its falling fruits won't be a nuisance. This easy-to-grow shrub offers a tropical look to temperate regions and makes a perfect edible addition to large garden spaces.
Some refer to figs as the "lazy man's fruit' because they tend to produce well as long as their basic cultural requirements are met, though very old plants can become unproductive. Pruning is most often done to remove dead wood and keep plants more compact. Figs can withstand hard-pruning, but most opt to simply remove the oldest, largest stems in spring every other year or so. Those planted in their coldest hardiness zones often die to the ground with new branches arising from the living roots in the spring. Remove dead wood before new shoots emerge.
9 - 6
6 - 10
H1, H2, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24
Fruit
Full Sun, Partial Sun, Partial Shade
10'-30' / 3.0m - 9.1m
Spring, Early Summer
Mediterranean, Western Asia
Acidic, Neutral
Well Drained
Clay, Loam, Sand
Salt
Fast
Drought Tolerant, Average Water
Oval/Rounded
Spring, Summer, Fall
Insignificant
Green
Green, Purple, Dark Green, Bronze, Brown
Green, Dark Green
Brown, Gray
No
Yes
Coarse
Matte
Semi-Evergreen
Smooth
Container, Edible, Feature Plant, Fruit / Fruit Tree, Houseplant, Topiary / Bonsai / Espalier, Tropical
Birds
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