| Ficus carica 'Chicago Hardy' | USDA Zone: 6-10 |
Chicago Hardy Fig has attractive dark green foliage with chartreuse veins on a tree with a round habit of growth. The lobed leaves are highly ornamental but do not develop any appreciable fall colour. The fruits are showy plum purple pomes carried in abundance in mid fall. The fruit can be messy if allowed to drop on the lawn or walkways, and may require occasional clean-up.
Chicago Hardy Fig is a small tree that is commonly grown for its edible qualities, although it does have ornamental merits as well. It produces plum purple fruit (technically 'pomes') which are usually ready for picking from early to mid fall. The fruits have a sweet taste.
Noted for having unusually good winter hardiness, this variety can be maintained as a large shrub in cooler areas with some winter protection; sweet purplish-red fruit in fall, in clusters among interesting lobed leaves; also a great container plant.
The fruit are most often used in the following ways:
- Fresh Eating
- Cooking
- Preserves
|
Key Feature
|
Light Needs | Landscape Uses |
 |
 |
 |
|
|
|
| More About Chicago Hardy Fig |
| Height: 15-20 ft |
Spread: 15-20 ft |
Flower Colour: Inconspicuous |
|
Chicago Hardy Fig is quite ornamental as well as edible, and is as much at home in a landscape or flower garden as it is in a designated edibles garden. It does best in full sun to partial shade. It does best in average to evenly moist conditions, but will not tolerate standing water. It is not particular as to soil type or pH, and is able to handle environmental salt. It is highly tolerant of urban pollution and will even thrive in inner city environments. Consider applying a thick mulch around the root zone in winter to protect it in exposed locations Prefers enriched, well-drained soil. Water deeply, regularly in first growing season to establish root system; once established, reduce frequency. Requires less water in fall and winter, more in growing season. Often root hardy to zones 5 and 6 with protection. Fertilize in early spring. Prune lightly in late winter to not remove the early forming spring crop. Chicago Hardy Fig is a good choice for the edible garden, but it is also well-suited for use in outdoor pots and containers. Because of its height, it is often used as a 'thriller' in the 'spiller-thriller-filler' container combination; plant it near the center of the pot, surrounded by smaller plants and those that spill over the edges. It is even sizeable enough that it can be grown alone in a suitable container. Note that when grown in a container, it may not perform exactly as indicated on the tag - this is to be expected. Also note that when growing plants in outdoor containers and baskets, they may require more frequent waterings than they would in the yard or garden. Be aware that in our climate, most plants cannot be expected to survive the winter if left in containers outdoors, and this plant is no exception. NOTE: Some flowers and plants may be harmful or poisonous to people or pets if touched or ingested. If you require more information before placing an order, please let us know in advance. |
