Ficus Plants for Outdoor Containers

• While the backyard might not be big enough to hold a full-grown ficus, a container tree is still an option. Jupiterimages/Photos.com/Getty Images

  The ficus are a family of fig plants. In their natural environment, varieties like the banyan reaches heights of up to 100 feet. That size might be impractical for most homeowners, but the ficus can still be grown in the backyard. A number of varieties are suited to being grown in containers. A container-grown ficus can even be grown outside of its natural range, as it can be moved indoors during inclement weather.

Banyan (Ficus benghalensis)

• In their natural habitats, banyan trees are massive. Banyan sacre image by J-F Perigois from Fotolia.com

  The banyan ficus (Ficus benghalensis) is known as the Bengal or Indian fig. Native to India, Buddhists consider it sacred. It is often found planted near temples, where it reaches heights of up to 100 feet. Roots are above the ground and give the tree the appearance of having numerous trunks. These massive trees are rated for tropical and subtropical areas, in U.S. Department of Agriculture Plant Hardiness Zones 10 through 12. However, the banyan is grown as a houseplant in other areas of the world. As long as there is sunlight and the correct temperatures, the banyan adapts to life in a container.

Common Fig (Ficus carica)

• Common figs grown in containers produce tasty fruits. fig image by hazel proudlove from Fotolia.com

  The common fig (Ficus carica) thrives when planted in a container. Typically a shrub or small tree with a height of between 15 and 30 feet, the common fig can be planted in a container and pruned into an almost topiary-like addition. The container keeps the shrub small. Planting the common fig in a container can help it weather the cold winter months. A native of the Mediterranean region and rated for USDA Plant Hardiness Zones 8 through 10, the common fig can be grown as far north as Zone 5 when planted in a container. The container should be brought indoors through the winter months, then returned outdoors.

Creeping Fig (Ficus pumila)

• The creeping fig (Ficus pumila) is an evergreen, vine-like member of the ficus family. A fast, vigorous grower, the creeping fig climbs up and over buildings, latticework or a trellis. The creeping fig is suited to being planted in an outdoor container. Being confined in a container helps control the creeping fig and prevents it from growing rampant. Root systems are extensive and planting in a container prevents problems later. It can be trained to cascade out of a container, or over nearby rocks to create the effect of a foliage waterfall. It can also be easily trained to cover a wooden or wire frame rooted in the container, creating a container topiary. The creeping fig thrives in USDA Plant Hardiness Zones 7 through 11 and does not tolerate cold weather.