Types Of Outdoor Ficus Trees

Choosing the right trees can make your garden feel complete. If you’re looking for structure, shade, and year-round interest, consider the various types of outdoor ficus trees. These versatile plants offer something for almost every landscape, from grand specimen trees to dense hedges and even striking container plants. Let’s look at how you can use them.

Ficus, often called fig trees, are a huge genus with over 800 species. While the weeping fig (Ficus benjamina) is a popular houseplant, many types thrive outdoors in warmer climates. They are known for their attractive foliage, interesting growth habits, and sometimes, edible fruit. It’s important to pick the right one for your space, as some can grow very large.

This list covers some of the best ficus species for gardens. Remember, their hardiness is key. Most need protection from frost and prefer USDA zones 9-11, though a few can handle cooler temps with care.

Ficus benjamina (Weeping Fig)

While common indoors, this tree grows into a majestic giant outdoors. It develops a graceful, weeping habit with slender, pointed leaves.

Best For: Large gardens, parks, and wide streets as a shade tree.
Outdoor Size: Can reach 50-60 feet tall with a wide, spreading canopy.
Key Care Tip: It has aggressive surface roots. Plant it far from paths, driveways, and foundations.

Ficus carica (Common Fig)

This is the classic edible fig. It’s deciduous, losing its large, lobed leaves in winter, and produces sweet fruit in summer and fall.

Best For: Fruit gardens, sunny walls (can be fan-trained), or as a small, multi-stemmed tree.
Outdoor Size: Typically 15-25 feet tall and wide.
Key Care Tip: More cold-tolerant than many ficus. Some varieties survive in zone 7 with winter protection.

Ficus microcarpa (Indian Laurel Fig)

Often used for topiary and hedges in warm climates, this tree has dense, glossy green leaves. It’s incredibly tough and can handle heavy pruning.

Best For: Tall privacy screens, windbreaks, and formal shapes.
Outdoor Size: Can grow 40-50 feet tall if unpruned, but is easily maintained at any height.
Key Care Tip: Roots can be invasive. Regular root pruning at the drip line may be necessary in confined spaces.

Ficus lyrata (Fiddle-Leaf Fig)

Famous as an indoor plant, it can grow outdoors where frost never occurs. Its huge, violin-shaped leaves make a dramatic statement.

Best For: Tropical-themed gardens as a bold focal point.
Outdoor Size: Can reach 40 feet tall in perfect, humid conditions.
Key Care Tip: Needs shelter from strong winds, which can shred its large, delicate leaves.

Ficus rubiginosa (Rusty Fig)

Named for the rusty-colored fuzz on the undersides of its leaves and on new growth. It’s a popular, sturdy tree in places like California.

Best For: Shade in residential gardens. It’s often considered less invasive than some other species.
Outdoor Size: Grows 30-50 feet tall with a rounded canopy.
Key Care Tip: A good choice if you’re worried about root damage, as its roots are somewhat less aggressive.

Ficus macrophylla (Moreton Bay Fig)

This is a true giant with massive, buttressed trunks and enormous, dark green leaves. It’s a spectacular tree for very large spaces.

Best For: Parks, estates, or anywhere with acres of space for its grand scale.
Outdoor Size: Can soar over 60 feet tall with a canopy spread just as wide.
Key Care Tip: Only for properties where it’s immense size and surface roots will not cause problems. It needs room.

Choosing the Right Ficus for Your Landscape

Picking the perfect ficus involves more than just liking its looks. You have to match the tree’s needs and mature size to your garden’s conditions. Here’s a simple guide.

Assess Your Climate and Space

First, know your USDA hardiness zone. Most outdoor ficus trees will not survive prolonged freezing. Then, look at your available space—both above and below ground.

Measure the planting area’s width, keeping in mind the tree’s mature canopy spread.
Check for overhead wires or structures.
Consider distance from buildings (at least 20-30 feet for large species is wise).

Consider the Tree’s Purpose

What job do you want the tree to do? Your goal will narrow down the choices.

For Shade: Look at Ficus benjamina, Ficus rubiginosa, or Ficus macrophylla (if space allows).
For Fruit: Ficus carica is the clear, and really the only, choice.
For Screening: Ficus microcarpa is excellent for tall, dense hedges.
For Containers: Dwarf varieties of Ficus carica or young Ficus lyrata can work for many years with pruning.

Understand Root Systems

This is the most critical consideration for many gardeners. Ficus roots are often strong and seek water aggressively.

Avoid planting large ficus species near septic systems, swimming pools, or irrigation lines.
For smaller gardens, consider species noted for less invasive roots, like the Rusty Fig, or plan to use a root barrier.
Remember, pavement and foundations are no match for a determined ficus root.

Planting and Caring for Your Outdoor Ficus

Once you’ve chosen your tree, proper planting and care will ensure it thrives for decades. The basics are straightforward if you get the location right from the start.

Step-by-Step Planting Guide

Timing: Plant in spring or early summer to give the tree time to establish before cooler weather.
Hole: Dig a hole two to three times wider than the root ball, but no deeper.
Placement: Gently place the tree in the hole, ensuring the top of the root ball is level with or slightly above the soil grade.
Backfill: Use the native soil you removed to backfill the hole. Tamp it down gently to remove air pockets.
Water: Water deeply immediately after planting to settle the soil.
Mulch: Apply a 2-3 inch layer of mulch around the base, keeping it away from the trunk to prevent rot.

Ongoing Maintenance Tips

Ficus trees are generally low-maintenance once established, but they do have a few specific needs.

Watering

Young trees need regular, deep watering. Mature trees are drought-tolerant but will look their best with occasional deep soaks during dry periods. Overwatering can lead to root rot.

Pruning

Prune to remove dead or damaged branches, to shape the tree, or to control size. The best time is late winter or early spring before new growth starts. Always use clean, sharp tools.

For hedges (like Ficus microcarpa), frequent trimming during the growing season is fine.
Heavy pruning on large trees is best left to certified arborists.

Fertilizing

Apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring. This gives the tree nutrients for the growing season ahead. Don’t fertilize in late fall, as new growth could be damaged by cold.

Common Pests and Problems

Outdoor ficus trees are ussually quite resilient. However, keep an eye out for a few common issues:

Scale and Aphids: These sap-sucking insects can cause leaf drop. A strong blast of water or horticultural oil usually manages them.
Leaf Drop: Sudden changes in temperature, light, or water can cause ficus to drop leaves. They typically recover once conditions stabilize.
Root Rot: Caused by soggy, poorly drained soil. Ensure your planting site has good drainage.

FAQ About Outdoor Ficus Trees

Can any ficus tree survive winter?
Most cannot handle hard freezes. The Common Fig (Ficus carica) is the most cold-hardy, with some varieties surviving in zone 7. Others need zone 9 or warmer climates.

How fast do outdoor ficus trees grow?
Growth rates vary. Ficus microcarpa and Ficus benjamina are relatively fast growers (2-3 feet per year). Ficus macrophylla is also fast when young. The edible fig has a more moderate growth pace.

Are ficus tree roots always destructive?
They can be, especially in search of water. Planting the right species for your space is crucial. Researching root behavior and using barriers can prevent major problems with infrastructure.

Can I grow a fiddle-leaf fig outside?
Yes, but only in frost-free, humid climates (typically zone 10+). It needs dappled sunlight and protection from strong winds to prevent leaf damage.

Do all ficus trees produce fruit?
Many do, but the fruit of most ornamental species is small, inedible, and can be messy. Only Ficus carica is grown primarily for its delicious, edible fruit.

Adding one of the many types of outdoor ficus trees can provide lasting beauty and function to your garden. By selecting the right species for your climate and space, and understanding its needs, you can enjoy these magnificent trees for many years to come. Always remember to think about the tree’s full mature size, both above and below the soil, to ensure a happy partnership with your landscape.