In the world of landscape design, it’s hard to go wrong with a heap of green shrubbery. And when that shrubbery is none other than a cherry laurel, it just feels oh so right.The glossy green broadleaf foliage is alluring, what with the
06.06.2023 - 19:58 / gardenerspath.com / Gretchen Heber
Tips for Growing Hardy Chicago Fig Trees (Bensonhurst Purple)In general, fig trees, Ficus carica, are well-known for their preference for mild climates. But northern gardeners won’t be denied a supply of fresh backyard fruit if they grow a ‘Hardy Chicago’ variety, which can withstand fairly cold temperatures if properly cared for.
Also known as ‘Bensonhurst Purple,’ this variety produces purple-brown figs that ripen in late summer. The flavorful fruit is small to medium-sized, and is sometimes compared to the fruit of another popular fig variety, ‘Brown Turkey.’
‘Hardy Chicago’ grows 10-15 feet tall, and has a spread of 9-12 feet at maturity.
We link to vendors to help you find relevant products. If you buy from one of our links, we may earn a commission.
This fig can be grown in warmer climates, too, and it does well in USDA Hardiness Zones 5-11.
While Southern fig lovers have an abundance of choices for cultivars that do well in their areas, ‘Hardy Chicago’ is one of just a handful of fig varieties that can survive chilly climes.
Think this fig might be the one for you? Read on to get our tips for growing the ‘Hardy Chicago’ variety. Also, make sure you take a look at our fig growing guide.
Getting StartedSite selection is important for growing ‘Hardy Chicago’ in northern areas.
Choose a location that is protected from chilly winds and will enable the tree to receive eight hours of sun per day. With its wide spread, you’ll want to be sure the spot you choose affords plenty of room for it to stretch out, too.
Figs prefer soil with a pH of 6.0 to 6.5, and the tree will reward particularly well if you incorporate some compost into the planting area.
You might want to start with a potted plant such as this one from Nature Hills
In the world of landscape design, it’s hard to go wrong with a heap of green shrubbery. And when that shrubbery is none other than a cherry laurel, it just feels oh so right.The glossy green broadleaf foliage is alluring, what with the
There is something so beautifully ephemeral about fuchsias.You don’t get the chance to know and understand them as intimately a
Planting Aspen Trees: Aspens are beautiful, medium-sized ornamental trees with smooth bark and slender leaves. Also known as quaking aspen, they prominently occur in highly elevated prairies and upland grasslands. Most commonly found in the USA and Canada, aspen trees fall in the likes of every gardener.
These Annabelle Flowers Pictures will show why you need to add these fantastic white blooms to your home garden!
This article is part of our new 8-week, limited edition newsletter series, The Low-Water Gardening Guide, where we’ll walk you through what it takes to create a sustainable garden, from swapping in the appropriate plants to new irrigation methods to the tools you’ll need and more. Sign up here to get each installment straight to your inbox.
If you have a large unutilized space beneath a large tree in your garden, this list of the Best Plants to Grow Under the Oak Tree will help you out.
Pickles taste the best when you mix fresh ingredients in them, and what could be better to add your own harvest! Here are some of the Best Plants and Trees You Should Grow for Homemade Pickles!
By Stephen Roshy
Growingherbs is easy but making sure they have the best taste, thrive well, and maintain the rich flavor can be tricky. To help you, we bring you the best kept Herb Growing Secrets Only Experienced Gardeners Know!
The beauty of bonsai lies in the fact that it allows the grower to create a unique, artistic expression of a tree. Check out these Best Brazilian Rain Tree Bonsai Pictures which will definitely allure everyone to your home.
The last time I saw this glorious tree was at Logan Botanic Garden where it flowers in August. Here it is just coming into flower and will be at its peak by Christmas. It’s Maori name is Phu
I find that the best way to succeed with hardy annuals is to sow them in the autumn – that way they establish a really good root system and romp away before the slugs start munching their way through their spring sown cousins. I’ve just potted on my (at times neglected) seedlings and was delighted to see the quality of their roots.