Ice Crystal is an award-winning fig tree popular for its ornate and deeply divided unusual foliage. The shape of the distinctive leaves resemble ice crystals and turns yellow in autumn. Grow Ice Crystal Fig in full sun and a sheltered position to produce small sweet figs that are ripe for picking in late summer to early autumn.
Expected height and spread 3 x 4 metres in 20 years.
Please note, for a more productive but less ornamental Fig, see Brown Turkey Fig.
AKA Ficus carica 'Ice Crystal'
Common name: Ice Crystal Fig
Latin name: Ficus carica 'Ice Crystal'
Awards: RHS Award of Garden Merit
Position: Full sun, sheltered
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Planting Advice for Ice Crystal Trees & Bushes
Our pot grown Ice Crystal Fig trees can be planted at any time of the year, whereas bare root figs can only be planted between November and March. Fig trees or bushes can be planted at approx. 3m between plants.
It is important to restrict Fig roots for the best quality and quantity of fruits. Prepare your site as normal, removing weeds and grass within a metre of your desired planting hole. Dig a square hole slightly deeper than the root mass and 2x as wide, then place paving slabs around the sides of the hole so they are slightly higher than the soil level (about 2.5cm) and line the bottom with broken bricks or rubble to improve drainage. Alternatively you can plant in a container or next to a wall to restrict roots. To help it establish, sprinkle root grow in the hole.
Gently loosen the roots and place into the planting hole. Using 50% of the original soil and 50% compost, fill in the hole and firm around gently. Make sure not to bank the soil up around the collar of the plant. We recommend planting single stem forms of fig trees (not bush forms) with a stake and tie for support.
Watering Ice Crystal Fig Trees & Bushes
If you’re planting Fig in spring or summer, water well and regularly for the first few months and increase watering if there are extended periods of hot or dry weather. If you’re planting in autumn, you may only need to water a little. Once you see your fruits begin to swell, water again.
Tip: To check if the soil requires further water, dig a finger down into the soil, a few centimetres and if the soil feels even slightly moist, it does not need further watering. If it feels dry, water and repeat this test again.
Keep the area free of competing grass and weeds for several growing seasons.
Pruning Ice Crystal Figs
Fig trees should be pruned at three different times of the year. Firstly in spring, removing any branches that are crossing or damaged. In summer, pinch out the new growth, leaving about 5 or 6 leaves. In autumn, remove any of the larger fruits that have failed to ripen but leave the smaller, pea-sized embryo fruits.
Delivery Costs
*Free delivery promotion excludes mature trees, extra large kits and delivery to Highlands or Islands. Discount applies at checkout.
Small/medium trees & shrubs
Select semi-mature trees & shrubs
All other mature trees
Mainland UK ex. Scottish Highlands
£8 for any quantity
£35 for 1-4 trees
From £55 for any quantity
Scottish Highlands & the Islands
From £30
Outside Mainland UK
Currently we are unable to deliver outside of Mainland UK
Delivery Times
Next Day Despatch We will always try to get your plants to you as quickly as possible. For many of our trees and plants, if you order today we will despatch your order within 24 hours. We are constantly adding to our range of next day plants, and we do not add a surcharge for this service. Click here to see our next day delivery plants.
Standard Delivery We have one of the widest range of trees in the UK, and for those plants which we cannot despatch next day we will normally despatch within 4 weeks. The despatch time for different products will be confirmed when products are added to your shopping basket
Pre-orders We will only want to deliver your orders when they are perfect for planting! Depending on the season and how well the plants are growing, we will give our best estimates of the despatch dates for pre-orders. These dates may vary and by species and while we will always try to deliver within these timeframes if the expected despatch does change then we will notify you by email.
Special Orders Orders containing pleached or mature trees (trees over 2.5m in height) are delivered within 3 weeks. They require specialist delivery and are grouped geographically. Any customers ordering pleached or mature trees will be contacted and notified of their delivery date.
If your trees are required by a specific date, please let us know as soon as possible; while we can’t offer any guarantees we will always do our best to accommodate you. You can leave instructions in the notes field on the Delivery Page of the Checkout or send us an email at [email protected].
Please note that orders are shipped once all the trees in the order are ready.
Collections Collections are by appointment only at our West Yorkshire-based nursery. If you would like to place an order for collection, please get in touch before placing your order. You will not be charged a delivery cost for a collection and any delivery cost that has been applied will be refunded.
The product table at the bottom of the page gives the forms and sizes available for this variety. Please note, photos are a guideline as all plants are unique. *Pot sizes may vary. Below are definitions of terms:
Supplied Size: Height measured from the top of the pot.
Single Stem tree: Classic tree with one trunk, pruned for a beautiful, natural shape.
Top grafted tree: A height next to this form refers to the length of clear stem, which will not grow taller. Only the head of branches will develop. Ideal for small spaces.
Feathered tree: Branches from the bottom of the trunk all the way up. These branches can be removed if a clear stem is required.
Multi Stem tree: Two or more stems arising from or near ground level, growing from one root system.
Bush: A plant with many stems low down, rather than one clear stem.
Clump: Several plants in one pot that give the appearance of a bushy multi stem tree.
Climber: Naturally climbing plant. Usually delivered running up a cane, ready to position in the garden.
Standard Tree: A more mature tree with an upright clear stem of approximately 1.8m-2.0m (measured from the soil to the lowest branches of the crown). Standards are available in different forms relating to their girth size (circumference of the stem measured 1m above soil level), not height.
