Ficus pumila – Creeping Fig

• Screening or Privacy
• Groundcovers
• Underplanting

Ficus pumila – Creeping Fig works in an:

• Modern Garden – sleek, minimal, and design-led planting.
• Contemporary / Architectural Garden – striking forms for bold design statements.
• Coastal Garden – relaxed, seaside feel with hardy, textural plants.
• Tropical Garden – lush, leafy planting for a resort-style atmosphere.
• Low-maintenance Garden – resilient choices for easy care and year-round appeal.

Ficus pumila – Creeping Fig is an Evergreen (foliage year round) Tree

Mature Height: Climbing to 10–15m with support

Mature Width: 3–5m (as groundcover)

Ficus pumila – Creeping Fig is expected to grow 1–2m per year (fast, once established).

Ficus pumila – Creeping Fig is expected to grow 1–2m per year (fast, once established).

They are considered to have a:

• Fast Growth Rate

Is Ficus pumila – Creeping Fig frost tolerant?

Ficus pumila – Creeping Fig is Frost Sensitive – May suffer damage from frost, best in frost-free or protected spots.

• Tropical QLD (Cairns, Townsville)
• Subtropical QLD (Brisbane, Gold Coast, Sunshine Coast)
• Northern NSW (Byron, Coffs, Armidale)
• South Coast NSW (Illawarra to Bega)
• Sydney & Central Coast
• Adelaide Metro & Coastal

Ficus pumila does not produce ornamental flowers. Its blooms are small and inconspicuous, forming within enclosed structures typical of fig species, with the plant instead valued for its vigorous growth and dense, clinging foliage.

Does Ficus pumila – Creeping Fig flower?

• Yes - Flowers

Flowering Period:

• Not Applicable

Flower Type:

• Not Applicable

Flower Colour:

Not Applicable

No

Ficus pumila – Creeping Fig is Native to East Asia, including China, Japan, and Vietnam, where Ficus pumila grows naturally on rocky slopes, forest margins, and shaded cliff faces.

Its dense foliage provides shelter for small birds, lizards and beneficial insects, creating valuable microhabitats within the garden. While not grown for nectar-rich flowers, its structure contributes to local biodiversity by offering protection and nesting opportunities in vertical spaces.

Ficus pumila – Creeping Fig will thrive best in:

• Full Sun
• Part Shade

Ficus pumila performs best in well-drained loam or sandy loam soils with a neutral pH. It will also tolerate poorer soils if enriched with organic matter to improve moisture retention. Avoid waterlogged or compacted conditions unless significantly improved, as excess moisture can stress the roots. Keep soil evenly moist during establishment, then gradually reduce watering as the plant matures.

Is Ficus pumila – Creeping Fig Drought tolerant?

As a young plant it benefits from regular watering to establish strong growth, particularly during warmer weather. Once established, Ficus pumila shows good drought tolerance and performs reliably through dry periods, although it maintains the healthiest foliage with occasional supplementary watering.