Minima Creeping Fig

Minima Creeping Fig (Ficus pumila 'Minima') is the fine leafed form of the classic self clinging climber, used wherever a bare wall or fence needs to disappear behind a flat skin of green. It attaches itself without wires or a trellis and will cover about 4m of height and 3m of width per plant. The smaller leaf gives a tighter, neater surface than standard creeping fig, which is why designers specify it for green walls and courtyards.

Why you'll love it

• No trellis, no wires. Aerial roots grip brick, block, stone and concrete directly, so the fence itself becomes the garden.
• The neatest leaf in the family. The small foliage lies flat and dense, reading as a clipped surface rather than a tangle.
• Fast to green a space. Planted 50cm apart along a wall, it produces meaningful cover within two to three seasons.
• More than a climber. Without a wall it runs as a groundcover, spilling over retaining walls and mass planted banks.
• Tough in most climates. Heat, humidity, coastal air and dry spells are all tolerated once established.

Where it works best

Screening walls and fences. Plant 50cm apart along the base and the wall greens over as a single surface: courtyard walls, boundary fences and garage sides all qualify.

Retaining walls and slopes. It clings down a wall face as readily as up, hiding raw concrete block and rendered surfaces, and it will carpet the slope above while it is at it.

Balconies and courtyards. In a trough or planter it turns a balcony wall or privacy panel green in a very small footprint.

Growing Minima Creeping Fig in Australia

Position and climate. Sun or part shade both work, with growth fastest where there is some direct light. It suits tropical, subtropical, warm temperate and cool temperate gardens, but handles light frost only, so in cold districts give it a warm, sheltered north facing wall.

Soil. Any reasonable garden soil with decent drainage. On sand, dig in compost before planting so the roots hold moisture while the plant attaches.

Water and feed. Water weekly through the first warm season, then it is largely drought tolerant. A complete fertiliser each spring pushes cover along in the early years.

Pruning. This is the one job that matters. Clip the face two or three times a year to keep the fine juvenile foliage, and trim the edges away from gutters, windows and paintwork before they reach them.

What to expect when it arrives

Plants come as single tubes, 140mm pots in packs of ten, and 200mm pots in packs of six. Tubes are the budget way to plant a long run at 50cm spacings; the potted packs establish and attach noticeably faster. Young plants arrive as trailing starters rather than attached climbers, so press the first stems against the wall and they will grip on their own.

Orders are delivered Australia wide, with delivery from $29.95, and every plant is covered by our 30 day healthy plant guarantee.

Plant care guides and related reading

• Browse climbing plants
• Plants for retaining walls and slopes
• More ficus varieties
• Groundcover plants

Common questions

Will it damage my wall?

On sound brick, block, stone or concrete it is generally fine. The aerial roots do mark paint and render, and removing an established plant leaves residue, so commit to the wall before you plant. Avoid timber cladding and any surface you plan to repaint.

How fast will it cover a fence?

With plants at 50cm spacings, expect real coverage in two to three seasons and dense cover after that. Water and a spring feed in the early years make the biggest difference to speed.

How do I keep the leaves small and flat?

Clip regularly. Juvenile growth stays fine while it is trimmed; mature shoots thicken, stand off the wall and carry larger leaves. Two or three light clips a year hold the neat surface indefinitely.

Does it cope with frost?

Light frost only. In cool temperate gardens plant it against a warm, sheltered wall with a northerly aspect, and it will shrug off the occasional cold snap once established.