{"product_id":"ficus-lyrata","title":"Ficus Lyrata","description":"\u003ch2\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFiddle-Leaf Fig \/ Banjo Fig \/ Lyre-Leaved Fig Tree\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBotanical Name:\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003cem data-start=\"23\" data-end=\"37\"\u003eFicus lyrata\u003c\/em\u003e (Fiddle-leaf Fig)\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFamily:\u003c\/strong\u003e Moraceae\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOrigin:\u003c\/strong\u003e West Africa (Cameroon to Sierra Leone)\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePlant Type:\u003c\/strong\u003e Evergreen tree (best as a small feature tree or large shrub in SA; also superb in large pots)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOverview\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA bold, architectural statement for courtyards and sheltered SA gardens. \u003cem data-start=\"320\" data-end=\"334\"\u003eFicus lyrata\u003c\/em\u003e carries huge, violin-shaped, glossy deep-green leaves on a naturally upright frame. Flowers are inconspicuous (grown for foliage\/structure), but the lush canopy delivers instant design impact. Best in frost-free, wind-sheltered positions or as a feature in large containers you can move for protection.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eKey Features\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eMature Size:\u003c\/strong\u003e 4–8 m H × 3–5 m W in warm, sheltered sites (smaller in large pots)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eGrowth Rate:\u003c\/strong\u003e 40-80 cm per year under good conditions\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFoliage:\u003c\/strong\u003e Bold, glossy deep-green, fiddle-shaped leaves; strong architectural habit\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFlowers:\u003c\/strong\u003e Inconspicuous; grown for foliage and form\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSeasonal Interest:\u003c\/strong\u003e Year-round evergreen structure; dramatic tropical look in all seasons\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eWildlife Value:\u003c\/strong\u003e Dense canopy offers shade\/shelter; flowers rarely significant for pollinators in SA\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eTolerance: \u003c\/strong\u003eHeat-tolerant; clay-tolerant (with improved drainage). Frost-tender (protect from any frost), wind-sensitive foliage; not coastal-tolerant (avoid salt spray)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePlanting Density:\u003c\/strong\u003e Avenue\/specimen: 1 tree per 9–16 m² (3–4 m apart) depending on desired canopy\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePet Friendly:\u003c\/strong\u003e No — toxic if chewed (calcium oxalates in sap\/leaves; keep away from pets\/children)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhere It Works Best\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSunlight:\u003c\/strong\u003e Bright filtered light to part sun; full sun only with gradual acclimation (protect from hot afternoon sun when young)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSoil:\u003c\/strong\u003e Free-draining loam or sandy loam; hates waterlogging; enrich with organic matter; in pots use premium, chunky potting mix\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eWater Needs:\u003c\/strong\u003e Establishment: 2 deep soaks\/week for 8–12 weeks. Established in ground: deep soak every 7–10 days in summer; monthly in winter if dry. In pots: water when the top 3–5 cm dries out\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eMaintenance:\u003c\/strong\u003e Mulch in spring; wipe leaves to keep glossy; formative prune lightly to shape; slow-release feed in early spring (and midsummer for pots)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eLifespan:\u003c\/strong\u003e 25–50+ years (shorter in containers without root refresh)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eClimate Zones:\u003c\/strong\u003e Best in frost-free, temperate\/Mediterranean SA microclimates, coastal only if well-sheltered from salt and wind\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSoil pH: \u003c\/strong\u003eSlightly acid to neutral; tolerates slightly alkaline with excellent drainage (use chelated iron if leaves yellow)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eLandscape \u0026amp; Design Ideas\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eHero feature for courtyards, patios and entry gardens (great in large pots)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePair with gravel, dark mulch or concrete for a modern, high-contrast look\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eUnderplant with lomandra or low hedges for a lush, layered vignette\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhy You Will Love It\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA high-impact foliage star that brings instant, tropical structure to sheltered SA spaces. Easy to shape, stunning in big pots, and unbeatable for bold, glossy greenery year-round — with simple care and no fuss about flowers.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Adelaide Plant Co","offers":[{"title":"250mm Pot","offer_id":49004211994876,"sku":"FICU-LYRA-250MM","price":60.0,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0750\/9282\/0220\/files\/ficus-lyrata-fiddle-leaf-banjo-fig-250mm-leaf-adelaide-plant-co.jpg?v=1776652611","url":"https:\/\/adelaideplantco.com.au\/products\/ficus-lyrata","provider":"Adelaide Plant Co","version":"1.0","type":"link"}