When I tour gardens in warmer climates and see creeping figs—Ficus pumila—crawling along walls I become extremely jealous. Here's a lovely specimen in Jennifer's garden in Austin, Texas.
And when it looks like this, well, I am quite smitten.
So when I heard of a "hardy" version at Cistus Nursery (thanks Evan and Michelle), well, I had to give it a try. Here it is planted at the base of the wall that frames our patio, just to the side of the stairs.
It goes by the name Ficus pumila 'Monier's Hardy', this is what Cistus has to say about it: "This little creeping fig, from a most lovely Oregon garden and shared with us by Paul Bonine, has thrived through many winters of the Willamette Valley cold pocket. As with the species, plants can be used in sun or shade to cover a wall with densely held, 1" leaves, eventually producing branches of larger, 3" leathery leaves. Eventually produces figs that neither appear nor taste appetizing. We think this will survive in a mid to upper USDA zone 7 garden but mulch in case."
And look at this! We have connection. It's actually growing on the wall now., I am thrilled.
Fingers crossed it continues to thrive...
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Made contact with the wall, and framed by a spiky, dangerous-looking shadow... good luck.
ReplyDeleteIs it evergreen?
It is, or it's supposed to be. The others I've tried in the past lost there leaves and took all summer to get a few back.
DeleteFun when you covet something then find one to suit your own garden. I am quite covetous of your low wall with the display of succulent pots. Raising them up gives them way more presence than sitting on the ground.
ReplyDeleteI love that wall, when we designed it I wasn't thinking about it as a staging area for containers, but it has certainly worked out well.
DeleteI love how an agave shadow is present in your photos - so apropos!
ReplyDeleteThat's a super spiky aloe, Aloe marlothii, and yes, it adds some nice drama doesn't it?
DeleteThe general advice I've read here is that they are prettiest when the growth is delicate and dainty. As the plant ages the growth gets larger and larger and can damage stucco walls. Also rats find it an attractive place to hide.
ReplyDeleteOnce the plant is established, it can be completely cut to the ground and the old growth removed so the plant will grow back again in that dainty manner. I do that with my Parthenocissus tricuspidata.
Thanks Hoov...rats, ugh. If it should happen to thrive my only concern would be damage to the thin coating on the wall. I'll be watching!
DeleteIt would be pushing the envelope for it to grow here. It looks perfectly happy where you have it. Good luck.
ReplyDeleteThanks. I'll report again in the spring.
DeleteFicus pumila is such a great wall cover. Great texture and color, a great background. But don't even think about eating the fruits! San Marcos says the standard variety is hardy to 20 degrees, so nice to hear there is an even hardier version. Hope yours makes it.
ReplyDeleteReports (below, from Joseph) are of the standard doing well in Zone 7...so I'm guessing maybe more than just winter cold is at work here?
DeleteIt's off to a lovely start, Loree! I hope it provides just the impact you're looking for.
ReplyDeleteThanks Kris!
DeleteIt is always exciting to discover a plant you like that will perhaps now grow in your climate. I am a bit nervous to keep trying such plants, but sometimes you have to take that chance.
ReplyDeleteNervous for money wasted?
DeleteHuh... Creeping fig is pretty common and seems perfectly hardy here in Zone 7. Must be the extra summer heat to help harden off the growth.
ReplyDeleteThat's interesting! The best I've had happen in past experiments were a few struggling leaves remaining on a nearly bare stem. As summer progressed a few leaves would regrow, but it was definitely not a thing of beauty.
DeleteThat’s a beauty!
ReplyDeleteI am smitten.
DeleteNow if only there were a magical Spanish moss that liked our winters!
ReplyDeleteFor sure! I've seen some lichen that approaches the look, but doubt it would look good as summer wore on.
DeleteIsn't it a hoot when we become some what obsessed with certain plants ?
ReplyDeleteI know I go through phases every year with an array of particular plants .. like last year .. the year of hydrangea collecting .. haha
But this is a cute creeping vine .. it is too bad my zone doesn't accommodate anyone in the ficus family .. oh well, I am enjoying yours and i hope it flourishes !! Good luck with it !