Ficus carica 'Marseilles' (FIG)

Description: Common name: Ficus carica 'Figues De Marseille' (Fig). Deciduous tree with large, lobed leaves. The fruit is purple when ripe, sometimes yellow-green. Sweet fragrant fruit ready mid-September

Uses: Grown for its large, deeply lobed leaves, and for its fruit

Climate/Position: Thrives in full sun, protected from strong winds

Height/Spread: Unpruned will reach a height of 4 metres, but can be pruned to an espalier, or fan shape

Soil Requirements: Tolerant of most soil types, including alkaline soils

Pruning: Prune in the dormant season, November to January, prune again in spring if the plant has any frost damage

Special Requirements: Skin irritant with sunlight

Additional Interest: Was the favourite variety of Thomas Jefferson, 3rd President of the USA