Creeping Fig, Climbing Fig, Creeping Ficus (Ficus pumila)

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giancarlo Miami, FL(Zone 10a) Jan 02, 2005

Creeping Fig, Climbing Fig, Creeping Ficus
Ficus pumila

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Post #1217240
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GLORIAR Miami, FL Jan 03, 2005

We also live in the Miami area and we will like to know
where is the best place to get the Fig Ivy. But most
important, we are going to plant it to climb a wood
fence like it is in the picture and everybody tell us that
it is crazy because it will damage the fence. Please,
give us your input regarding this, I am sure that you did
your research and went ahead with your project and it looks great.
Thanks.

Post #1218894
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Dogzilla Tallahassee, FL(Zone 8b) Jan 03, 2005

Here's my take on this. (But first, giancarlo, if you live in Miami, you are in at least Zone 9b if not 10 or higher. There's no way you are in the same zone as we panhandle Floridians!)

The previous owners planted a creeping fig vine UNDER the front porch of my house. It pokes out through the trellis around the foundation of the house and climbs right up the side of my house. It has reached the roof -- it's a two story house) in about one season. The recent freezes we had up here did not even seems to slow it down at all. If I remember, I'll post a picture later or tomorrow or something...

I have not tried to kill it yet because I think it looks purty on the house like that. I'm told that the little suckers of the plant that hang on to the siding will discolor my paint (Gah -- I don't like that blue anyway) but will not pull the siding off the house or tear up the window screens or anything destructive like Wisteria or something.

My question to you is: Who is this "everybody" who knows so much about creeping fig? Are we talking about a) master gardeners b) people who work at the nursery where you shop or c) your nosy neighbors who know nothing or next to nothing about gardening? I find myself having to consider the source when it comes to garden lore. Like editors with sticky grammar questions (I'm an editor), I find it's pretty difficult to get two gardeners to agree on anything.

I've seen this plant at Target, Home Depot, Lowe's, my local nurseries -- anywhere "junk" plants are sold.

Post #1219193
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littlemermaid Boynton Beach, FL Apr 16, 2008

I also live in South Florida and would like to plant it too to cover a wood fence. I read on 2 websites that it causes damage to wood (but it doesn't say exactly what kind of damage). I really like this. But what is the actual "damage" that causes to wood? Thanks

Post #4817400
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giancarlo Miami, FL(Zone 10a) Apr 16, 2008

littlemermaid,
I have had mine for over 8 years and so far no damage.
I understand that it climbs much fuller and faster on concrete ,
as the one my neighbor has.
Armando.

Post #4817610
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