Ficus pumila (Creeping Fig)

Vigorous and fast-growing, Ficus pumila (Creeping Fig) is an evergreen self-clinging climber or trailer that grows relentlessly, covering everything it encounters (walls, trellises and other structures) by adhesive aerial rootlets. Creeping Fig is clothed in rich green, ovate, heart-shaped leaves, 2 in. long (5 cm), on its climbing stems. The foliage is elliptic, thicker, shinier and larger, 4 in. long (10 cm), on fruit-bearing stems. Pear-shaped purple fruits, 2 in. long (5 cm) may appear on outdoor plants throughout the year. They rarely appear on indoor plants. Famous for blanketing structures throughout the Southeast and West, Creeping Fig can be grown indoors as a houseplant in cooler areas or outdoors as an annual ground cover or container plant.

• Recipient of the prestigious Award of Garden Merit of the Royal Horticultural Society.
• Grows up to 10-15 ft. tall (300-450 cm) and 3-6 ft. wide (90-180 cm).
• A full sun to part shade lover, this plant is easily grown in humus-rich, moist, well-drained soils. Site in a location protected from wind and afternoon sun. Grow indoors in a soil-based potting mix in bright indirect light or part shade. Water regularly during the growing season and reduce watering from fall to late winter.
• Virtually disease free. Keep an eye out for glasshouse red spider mite, thrips, mealybugs and scale insects under glass.
• Careful attention should be given to pruning if grown as a groundcover. It can become a nuisance by climbing into trees and growing beyond the desired area.
• Propagate by seed, leaf-bud or semi-hardwood cuttings.
• Toxic to dogs, toxic to cats, toxic to horses.
• Native to eastern Asia.