PlantDetails

Plant Code L14194

Botanical Name:Ficus pumila 'Variegata'

Common Name:Variegated Creeping Fig

Bloom Time:Prized for Foliage

Water Wise:No

Deer Resistant:No

Growth Rate:Fast

Average Size:3-20' H x 3-20' W

Spacing:3-10'

Flower Color:Green

Cold Hardiness:Zone 9
(30 to 20°F)

Light:Part Sun
Morning Sunlight Only

Additional
Information

Better appearance with some irrigation during hot, dry months.

Botanical Name:Ficus pumila 'Variegata'

Common Name:Variegated Creeping Fig

Uses:

Climbing, Screen, Container

Attributes:

• Easily trained climbing vine
• Delicate variegated foliage
• Fast cover for walls or structures
• Well-suited for use in topiaries

Plant Type or Function - Vine

A vine is considered a plant that will grow to an indefinite height and/or width while at the same time depending on another plant or surface for support. The support can be an arbor, fence, the ground and even a house. Vines climb by tendrils, by twining or by clinging.  Their climbing method determines the kind of support required. Tendrils are small leafless stems that wrap themselves around most anything they contact like a wire support, wooden trellis or rought iron fence. Twining vines wind their stems around any available support and are favored for trellises arbors and patio covers. Clinging vines climb by attaching small root-like fasteners to walls, trees, or other textured surfaces.  These are favored for brick, rock, or masonry walls. Evergreen vines maintain their leaves year round while deciduous varieties loose their leaves in the fall and re-leaf in the spring.  Vines give height to any landscape while needing little ground space and therefore useful even in small gardens. Select vines with dense evergreen foliage and rapid growth for screening.  Use vines with fragrant flowers near windows or patios.  Select small vines for covering a mailbox or creating topiary sculptures.

Planting and Care Information

Planting

• Prepare the area for planting by conditioning the soil. Loosen the soil and incorporate an organic soil conditioner according to directions.
• Dig a hole 2 times the width of the root ball and a depth slightly less than the height of the root ball. Allow the top surface of the root ball to rest 1/2 inch higher than the soil line.
• For container grown plants, carefully remove plant by squeezing container and slowly removing the root ball. Never pull on the plant trunk. Instead let the root ball slide out by tipping the container. If the plant is heavily rooted, loosen roots by gently pulling a few away from the root ball. This encourages stronger root growth. Set root ball in hole making sure the top of the root ball is slightly higher (1/2 inch) than ground level. Place soil mix under root ball if too low. Backfill soil mix around plant to ground level and tamp lightly removing all air pockets.
• For biodegradable pots, follow the directions on the container.
• For bare root plants, trim any broken, twisted or discolored tips. Determine the original soil line by the change in color on the plant trunk. Set the plant in the hole so the soil line is above the surrounding soil. Space the roots evenly. Backfill soil mix around and between the roots and tamp lightly removing all air.
• Water thoroughly to settle the soil around the plant. Add more soil mix around plant if necessary after watering. Apply root stimulator to encourage new root growth and fast establishment.
• If a large plant; build a soil ring around the plant, 6" beyond the edge of the hole, to use as water reservoir to assist in watering until established.
• Add a 2-3" layer of mulch around plant to conserve soil moisture and eliminate future weeds.
• For large shrubs, it may be necessary to secure the trunk by using three stakes placed at equal distances around the plant.

Fertillization

• Fertilize just before and during the plants active growing cycle. Fertilization should begin just prior to new growth and end three or four weeks before the first frost.
• Choose an all-purpose fertilizer recommended for flowering and/or foliage plants. Frequency will depend on the type of fertilizer. Liquid (water soluble) and granular quick release fertilizer, require more frequent application; slow release granular fertilizer requires less.
• When using granular fertilizer be sure to sprinkle fertilizer pellets away from the plant stems or trunk to prevent possible burning and always water thoroughly after application. This dissolves or releases the fertilizer into the soil. Apply water soluble fertilizer by thoroughly drenching the leaves and soil.
• Always follow fertilizer package directions.

Pruning

• Prune as required to keep plants a desired size or shape.
• Encourage new blooms by cutting off dead or faded flowers.
• Plants with branches originating from the roots of the plant need to be selectively pruned. Prune by removing the oldest branches completely. This will allow new, more productive branches to develop and produce flowers.
• Remove damaged or dead limbs back to live wood.
• When pruning, make angled cuts just above the bud.
• Use proper tools such as shears, hand pruners, pole pruners and pruning saws. Make sure all equipment is clean and sharp.
• Fertilize after pruning to help speed new growth.

Watering

• New plants require more frequent watering than established plants. After planting check for water regularly until fully rooted and established.
• For large plants; build a soil ring around the plant to use as a water reservoir. This will assist in watering until the plant is established.
• Always water slowly and deeply making sure the root ball is completely saturated.
• Don't water at night if possible. Watering in the morning helps prevent disease.
• If new plant wilts between watering, increase the frequency of watering.
• Plants in hot, humid or sunny areas need more frequent watering than plants in cool climates.
• Plants in containers may require more frequent watering than plants in the ground. This will depend on plant variety, pot size and soil.
• Add a 2-3"" layer of organic mulch around plant to maintain and conserve soil moisture. Mulch will reduce watering frequency and speed root establishment.

Product Checklist

• Planting MixPromotes strong healthy growth and more flowers
• Potting SoilReady to use mix for indoor and outdoor containers and hanging baskets
• Plant StarterHelps plants quickly establish to their new home
• Slow Release FertilizerFeeds for months with one application. Safe to use on new plantings
• Organic MulchPrevents weeds for months, saves water and beautifies
• Planting ToolsShovels, trowels, cultivators and other tools to make planting easy
• Pre-emergent Weed ControlApply to ground after planting to prevent new weeds from sprouting
• Soaker HoseEasy to use, conserves water, and reduces chance of leaf diseases
• ContainersChoose from light weight resin, clay or ceramic for patio or porch
• Landscape EdgingKeeps beds defined, easy to maintain, and free of lawn grass
• Arbors & TrellisesReady to use support to train vines on building, fences, and in gardens

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