Ficus Pumila

Creeping Fig / Climbing Fig

Botanical Name: Ficus pumila
Family: Moraceae
Origin: East Asia (China, Japan, Vietnam)
Plant Type: Evergreen climber / clinging vine

Overview

Ficus pumila is a dense, self-clinging evergreen climber ideal for covering walls, fences, columns and shaded structures in Adelaide and South Australia. Known for its ability to soften hard surfaces with a fine-textured green layer, it produces small, juvenile leaves that cling tightly to surfaces before gradually transitioning to larger, more mature foliage over time. Thriving in part shade and tolerating full sun in cooler positions, it is well suited to courtyards, shaded walls, southern-facing aspects, and alfresco areas where a lush look is desired. Once established, it is hardy, low-maintenance, and capable of rapid coverage in favourable conditions.

Key Features

• Mature Size: Spreads 3–6 m+ depending on support; typically 2–3 m high in SA gardens when managed
• Growth Rate: 30-60 cm per year under good conditions
• Foliage: Small, heart-shaped juvenile leaves that cling flat to surfaces; larger, darker mature leaves on free-growing stems. In full sun or cold, may develop bronze or deep green tints
• Flowers: Inconspicuous (as is typical for figs); primarily grown for foliage. No floral fragrance; foliage has a faint green/herbal scent when crushed
  
• Seasonal Interest: Evergreen year-round, providing consistent green wall coverage even through hot SA summers. Juvenile leaves create a fine, textured effect; mature foliage adds depth and shade variation
• Wildlife Value: Provides roosting shelter for small insects and geckos; mature plants may develop fruit in sheltered, warm microclimates but typically not in SA
• Tolerance: Tolerates Adelaide heat once established, handles wind, and copes with both coastal and urban environments. Prefers protected walls during extreme heat. Frost-sensitive in exposed Hills areas; survives light frost. Avoids prolonged drought—performs best with occasional irrigation in peak summer
• Planting Density: For wall coverage: 1 plant every 1–2 m; For pots: Use a large container with a trellis or wall backing; For ground cover: 3–4 plants per m²
• Pet Friendly: Generally safe around pets; ingestion of sap may cause mild digestive upset in sensitive animals

Where It Works Best

• Sunlight: Part shade to full shade ideal; tolerates morning sun; avoid hot afternoon summer sun on dark walls as leaves may scorch
• Soil: Prefers well-drained loam or enriched sandy loam; adapts to a range of soils with consistent moisture
• Water Needs: Establishment: 2 deep soaks/week for 8–12 weeks. Established: deep soak every 10–14 days in summer; fortnightly to monthly in cooler months
• Maintenance: Low to moderate maintenance. Prune regularly to control spread and prevent thick woody layering. Trim lightly every few months to maintain juvenile leaf growth, which gives the best wall-clinging appearance. Avoid allowing stems beneath roof tiles, into gutters, or behind cladding. Mulch soil area to protect surface roots and water retention
• Lifespan: 10–20+ years with occasional pruning and support management
• Climate Zones: Best suited to Adelaide’s temperate–Mediterranean regions, coastal suburbs, sheltered courtyards, and walls protected from extreme western sun. Less suited to frost-prone Adelaide Hills zones unless planted against warm masonry
• Soil pH: Tolerant of slightly acidic to moderately alkaline soils

Landscape & Design Ideas

• Living green wall on fences, house walls, garages or courtyard boundaries
• Softens brickwork, concrete, rendered walls, and pillars
• Ideal backdrop for tropical-style plantings and shaded alfresco spaces
• Covers unsightly structures such as water tanks or shed walls
• Excellent in courtyards where space is limited

Why You Will Love It

A lush, evergreen climber that transforms hard surfaces into living green architecture, Ficus pumila thrives in Adelaide’s part-shade spaces and delivers fast, consistent coverage with minimal fuss. Perfect for courtyards, alfresco areas, sheltered walls and warm coastal zones, it offers year-round softness, texture, and natural cooling.