FICUS rubiginosa (Port Jackson Fig)

Port Jackson Fig (Ficus rubiginosa) is the shade tree to plant when you have the land for a canopy that outlives you. It grows to roughly 12m tall and 12m wide, evergreen, with leathery leaves that show a rust coloured underside and small figs that keep birds busy for months. This is an ex ground specimen at 6m to 7m, so it arrives with years of growth already behind it.

Why you'll love it

• Real shade from the first summer. A 6m to 7m specimen throws usable shade the season it goes in, and it is fast for a tree of this scale.
• An east coast native that feeds wildlife. The figs draw fruit eating birds through the warmer months.
• Built for exposed ground. Salt tolerant, wind tolerant, heat tolerant and drought tolerant once away, which is why it holds headlands and coastal parks.
• Character with age. Buttressed roots and a broad low branching frame give it presence far sooner than most natives.

Where it works best

Shade tree on acreage or a large block. Give it at least 10m of clear space in every direction. Crowding it wastes both the tree and the site.

Windbreak and boundary screening. Plant 5m apart for a large scale screen on a rural or coastal boundary, where the dense evergreen crown filters salt laden wind.

Where it does not belong. The root system is strong and invasive. Keep it well clear of pipes, paving, pool shells, retaining walls and house footings.

Growing Port Jackson Fig in Australia

Position and climate. Full sun. It suits tropical, subtropical and warm temperate gardens. It takes light frost only, so cold inland districts, the tablelands and hard frosting southern gardens are not the right home.

Soil. Adaptable to most soil types provided water moves through. On heavy clay, plant on a broad raised mound. Mulch a wide ring 75mm deep and keep it off the trunk.

Water and feed. Deep soak weekly for the first two summers while a lifted root ball rebuilds its feeder roots. After that it copes on rain in most coastal gardens. A complete slow release fertiliser in early spring for the first few years is enough.

Pruning. Little is needed beyond removing damaged wood and lifting the lower branches for clearance. It reshoots readily if a limb needs reducing.

What to expect when it arrives

This is field grown ex ground stock supplied at 6m to 7m in a single size. It is lifted with a root ball, so it is heavy: you will need machinery and clear vehicle access to place it, and the hole should be dug before it lands.

Expect a quiet first season while the root ball re establishes, with some leaf drop after transport, then strong growth from the second spring. Delivered Australia wide, with delivery from $29.95. Advanced and large stock is freighted at cost, and every plant carries our 30 day healthy plant guarantee.

Plant care guides and related reading

• Read the fig and ficus care guide for planting and root management detail.
• Browse the wider fig tree range for smaller options.
• Compare other ex ground trees available at advanced size.
• More ideas in the best canopy trees for shade.

Common questions

What does ex ground mean?

The tree was grown in the field rather than a pot, then lifted with its root ball for transport. It buys you size that pot grown stock cannot match, at the cost of a slower first season.

How far from the house should I plant it?

At least 10m, and further if there are pipes, a pool or paving between. Root damage is the mistake people most often make with figs.

Will it grow in Melbourne or Adelaide?

Not reliably. It handles light frost only, so its range is tropical, subtropical and warm temperate gardens.

Is it suitable for a suburban backyard?

Rarely. At 12m by 12m with invasive roots it needs acreage or a park scale setting to be a sound decision.