Benjamin tree

Ficus benjamina | Also known as: Waringin, Tropic laurel, Java fig, Java tree | Rating: 2 votes | Print / Pdf

There are lots of famous Benjamins. Benjamin Button, Benjamin Franklin, Benjamin Britten, and of course... Benjamin Tree.

The Benjamin Tree, or Ficus benjamina, is an evergreen shrub that sports wonderfully glossy leaves and orangey-red and black fruits during the autumn. Although it’s an easy plant to grow, this sub-tropical small tree can’t cope with the harsh winter frosts the UK experiences. This makes it ideal to grow in a conservatory or indoors, although it will happily live outside during the warmer months of summer. It is toxic, and can cause skin allergies in some people

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Plant
Known dangers?
  • yes
Dangers: comments
  • Avoid eating leaves of this plant, or you may have mild stomach upset. Its sap may irritate your skin.
Height [m]
  • 13 - 18
Spread [m]
  • 8.5 - 10
Dominant flower colour
  • Green
Flower Fragrance
  • No, neutral please
Flowering seasons
  • Mid winter
  • Late winter
  • Early spring
  • Mid spring
  • Late spring
  • Early summer
  • Mid summer
  • Late summer
  • Early autumn
  • Mid autumn
  • Late autumn
  • Early winter
Foliage in spring
  • Green
Foliage in summer
  • Green
Foliage in Autumn
  • Green
Foliage in winter
  • Green
Propagation methods
  • semi-ripe cuttings
  • seed
  • leaf cuttings
Growth habit
  • Bushy
  • Upright
Environment
Acidity
  • Acidic
  • Neutral
  • Alkaline
Hardiness zone
  • Z10-11
Heat zone
  • H12-10
Winter temperatures [°C]
  • -1 - 4
Heat days
  • 150 - 210
Moisture
  • well-drained but frequently watered
Soil type
  • sandy
  • Clay
  • chalky
  • loams
Sun requirements
  • Full sun
  • Partial shade
Exposure
  • Sheltered
Usage
Standard category
  • Trees & shrubs
  • Trees
Grown for
  • Ornamental Foliage
Creative category
  • For Beginners
  • Bonsai
Garden type
  • Indoor or winter garden
Gardening expertise
  • beginner
Time to reach full size
  • up to 20 years
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