Advanced Search Filters

Plant Type
Hardiness Zone
Heat Zone
Sunset Zone
Function
Sun Exposure
Soil Moisture
Water Requirement

Ficus elastica 'Burgundy'

Image of Ficus elastica 'Burgundy'

Carol Cloud Bailey

Family

Moraceae

Botanical Name

Ficus elastica 'Burgundy'

Plant Common Name

Burgundy Rubber Plant, Rubber Plant

General Description

A familiar large houseplant with handsome broad leathery evergreen leaves on tall stems, rubber plant forms an immense tree in its native haunts of southern Asia. The emerging leaves of the cultivar 'Burgundy' are a beautiful deep purple-red. Plants grown in partial sun retain the burgundy color. In full shade the leaves mature to the typical dark green. Small yellow figs are sometimes produced on mature landscape specimens.

Rubber tree does best in humus-rich well-drained soil and partial or bright shade. It makes an excellent potted specimen, which can be pruned to size when necessary. Water only when dry and watch for mealybugs. In frost-free landscapes, it forms a large wide spreading tree with aerial roots which quickly become trunks. In areas with occasional frosts it may be killed back by cold but will usually resprout and quickly regrow.

Characteristics

  • AHS Heat Zone

    12 - 10

  • USDA Hardiness Zone

    10 - 11

  • Sunset Zone

    H1, H2, 16, 17, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24

  • Plant Type

    Tree

  • Sun Exposure

    Full Sun, Partial Sun, Partial Shade

  • Height

    6'-50' / 1.8m - 15.2m

  • Width

    3'-50' / 0.9m - 15.2m

  • Native To

    Southern Asia, Southeastern Asia, India, Nepal

Growing Conditions

  • Soil pH

    Acidic, Neutral, Alkaline

  • Soil Drainage

    Well Drained

  • Soil type

    Loam, Sand

  • Growth Rate

    Fast

  • Water Requirements

    Drought Tolerant, Average Water

  • Habit

    Upright/Erect

  • Seasonal Interest

    Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter

Ornamental Features

  • Flower Interest

    Insignificant

  • Fruit Color

    Yellow, Yellow Green

  • Foliage Color (Spring)

    Red, Dark Green, Crimson

  • Foliage Color (Summer)

    Red, Dark Green, Crimson

  • Foliage Color (Fall)

    Red, Dark Green, Crimson

  • Foliage Color (Winter)

    Red, Dark Green, Crimson

  • Bark Color

    Brown, Chocolate

  • Fragrant Flowers

    No

  • Fragrant Fruit

    No

  • Fragrant Foliage

    No

  • Bark or Stem Fragrant

    No

  • Repeat Bloomer

    No

  • Showy Fruit

    No

  • Edible Fruit

    No

  • Showy Foliage

    Yes

  • Foliage Texture

    Bold

  • Foliage Sheen

    Glossy

  • Evergreen

    Yes

  • Showy Bark

    No

Special Characteristics

  • Bark Texture

    Smooth

  • Usage

    Container, Feature Plant, Houseplant, Shade Trees, Tropical

  • Sharp or Has Thorns

    No

  • Invasive

    No

  • Self-Sowing

    Yes