Can Ficus Benjamina (or Benjamin) be planted in the garden?

Question

I have been told that their roots can cause damage to buildings?
Also do they have to be grown in shade?

Answer 1

Ficus benjamina can be grown outdoors in the full sun. Yes, you are right the root system is highly invasive and typical of most ficus trees the roots will damage the foundations to your home; also be careful of your septic tank if you have one, your swimming pool if it has a slight leak somewhere, your storm water and sewerage pipes. Those roots detect moisture from a distance and send their roots there as soon as possible. Thirsty trees. Their seed also can be messy and a pain to pick up. Also note that the branches break off quite easily especially in windy areas. If you enjoy your ficus plant it outside in the sun (it will take a bit of shade as well) well away from you house and pool etc. In a sub-tropical environment they grow into huge monsters that will shade you out.

Answer 2

Although I am not a resident of the UK, I have seen several pictures from friends, of their gardens, and I see they buy the same plants we have on the west coast in the states. Roses of light pink and blended shades of two or more, seem to be very desireable in any garden. Those that have a dark hue and lighten toward the petal's edge are so much prettier than a full color rose, unless it's in blood red, or bright yellow. Bedding plants are the same, and I personally love the Panzy for it's daintiness and little lion faces. They do well in cold climates as well as through spring and moderate temps. Daffodils, and Iris's are hearty bulbs that come up here every spring, and have to be thinned out every so many years as they tend to branch out at the roots and create more as the years go by. There's a bush that bears a cluster of blossoms that resemble large snow balls, of lavender, or pink, or even a frosty white. And I can't remember the name at the present time. Day Lillies, are a bulb that comes up every spring and often last through to early summer. The Japanese Maple are very pretty little trees that have a lacy leaf and turn red in the fall. Almost a fire red, in fact. Hostas' are a long leafed plant that requires shade, and they produce little bell like blossoms on a stand of stalk in their centers. There are a few others that I have seen in both pictures and in person. But I don't know what their names are. But it's safe to assume that what you can buy there, we also have over here, in our damper climate regions. I hope these refer- ences have helped you.

Answer 3

We haven't had a freeze or hurricane(and thank goodness Dean is going into Mexico) so the ficus trees here are huge. They are truly nasty trees and have an extensive root system. My sister had one that grows into her water pipes and has to have the roots cut out periodically. We took the walls out of her bathroom and there were roots in the walls. I would ace the tree. The Large ones next to my apartment (my neighbors) are stories tall in a place of short trees. They drop little round seeds so that the tenant have to sweep the patio to walk outside and that is sooooo nasty. They are also weak trees so in high winds I'm going to have extensive problems. I suggest you look around for something else or keep them potted. Why not some type of fruit tree that won't get so big and gives you produce? I have a ruby red grapefruit tree, a ponderosa lemon and two lime trees. I just work them into the plan. I don't recommend the Ponderosa lemon-they make huge fruit with heavy, heavy skin and lots and lots of seeds. But the ruby red grapefruit tree is actually sweeter than my juice orange tree. Fruit trees stay within one story and are easy to keep trimmed without having to hire professionals plus you get all that produce. And never throw away a sour orange tree-great for so many things.

Answer 4

The most commonly known Ficus is the variety called 'benjamina'. It is grown outdoors in bush form for hedges in the south Florida area and acclimated for indoor use throughout the US, Canada and Europe.
http://www.ficustree.com/ficus-culture.php?genus_id=11
Below may be the one with the incredible root system
Strangler Figs
http://www.blueplanetbiomes.org/strangler_figs.htm
Common Names: Banyan Tree
Genus: Ficus
Species: ssp.

Answer 5

Yes they will grow very large , very quickly. The house across from ours had a good looking one. Every few years they cut a ditch in the yard and had the roots cut of. They still had problems and the foundation of their house cracked. The tree was 30' to 40' from the house. This will make a good tree in the middle of a very large field.