Climbing Fig
Though not an edible fig, at least this clone isn’t in our climate, the climbing fig is just too cool to pass up. Maybe it’s our deep love for this genus, but a fig that climbs up rock walls with cute little evergreen leaves really warms our heart! The species is not typically fully cold hardy here but this clone is one of the more cold hardy ones and has sailed through the last several winters, even the heinous January 2024 event, with minimal dieback. We can’t remember where this one originated, but likely one of the more cold hardy selections that Cistus Nursery or Far Reaches Farm has carried over the years. Also, be careful about planting on wooden structures as the aerial roots it climbs with can damage wood.
Latin Name: Ficus pumila
Site and Soil: Climbing Figs do well in a variety of soils, but require at least 8 hours of sunlight during the growing season.
Pollination Requirements: Looks like it needs another fig and a fig wasp to make something worth eating.
Hardiness: Hardy between 10° & 15° F.
Bearing Age: 1-2 years after planting.
Size at Maturity: 10-20 ft in height, smaller with pruning.
Bloom Time: Flowers are not noticeable as they are inside the fig.
Ripening Time: Late August-October
Pests & Diseases: Figs are not bothered by pests or diseases in our region.
USDA Zone: 8b
Sunset Western Zone: 4-9, 12-24
Sunset Northeast Zone: 31, 32