Ficus Carica ‘Ice Crystal’ (Fig Tree)

Hardy, deciduous and self-fertile, producing masses of proper brown figs when it feels like it. A vigorous grower, it can reach 4m x 4m over 20 years. The somewhat unadventurous route would be to let this plant take to a wall where it will apply itself eagerly to the task of taking up all the available space. Raise your expectations for this plant. Prune boldly. A more exciting prospect would be to train it into a free standing specimen with stems branching from the base to create a strong, full and glossy Mediterranean canopy. The rich green leaves on this classic fig tree take the form of distinctive and stylish deep-cut lobes, reminiscent of ice crystals which also turn a warm and vibrant yellow before they drop. As mentioned, getting these to produce ripe fruit is an ongoing mystery. Some years you’re lucky and some you’re not. View this tree as one which can have architecture thrust upon it and treat its fruit as a delicious if somewhat erratic bonus.

Best positioned in full sun in any old soil. Train it to your hearts delight. In fact, go wild but do this in late summer to minimise escaping sap from fresh cuts. Be aware that new shoots are also susceptible to frost.

Produced by cuttings and grown by us.

As with all woody plants, plant high, exposing as much of the taper at the base of the trunk as possible. Allowing soil to accumulate round the base of a tree can be fatal. Keep very well watered when first planted.