Fig Ice Crystal

A fruit tree for the medium-sized garden, Ficus carica Ice Crystal is a deciduous, fast-growing tree with an upright habit. The leaves are deeply divided, and turn yellow in autumn, and it is mostly grown for the lovely leaves. The fruit is fertilised by microscopic wasps, and is ripe when it’s brown and has a drop at the bottom. Good in a low-maintenance or a city or courtyard, or architectural garden, and needs a paving-stone box to contain the roots – otherwise you’ll have an enormous tree and little fruit. Alternatively, plant it in a big pot, or fan-train it against a sunny wall.  Fig Ice Crystal is an easy tree that needs twice-yearly pruning, in November and March; it’s a hardy tree, although it may need winter protection in the coldest areas. Holds the RHS Award of Garden Merit.

Site: Sheltered
Soil: Any light, well-drained soil, preferably alkaline to neutral
Position: Full sun
Season of interest: All year
Hardiness: Fully hardy
Height:  8-13’ (2.5-4m) Spread: 8-13’ (2.5-4m) in 10-20 years