Ficus Neverella Fig
Best edible ornamental for gardeners seeking low-maintenance, drought-tolerant fruit trees.
The Ficus Neverella Fig, also known as Osborne Prolific, is a temperate fruit tree originating from regions spanning Asiatic Turkey to Northern India. It thrives in Mediterranean climates, preferring full sun and dry conditions during fruiting, though it adapts well to cooler coastal areas. This deciduous variety grows as a tall shrub or small tree, reaching 8 to 10 feet high with a 6-foot spread. Its broad, deeply lobed leaves offer ornamental value. The fruit ripens from August to October, featuring brown skin and opalescent flesh with a sweet, caramel, and honey flavor, excellent for fresh eating or drying. It is drought tolerant and deer resistant.
$34.95
Owner Satisfaction
4.5
/ 5
Category Rank
512
/ 1251
#512 in Trees
Price vs Category Average
-67%
Below average
SKU
27959
Who it's for
- Home cooks seeking a reliable, high-yield harvest
- Urban gardeners with limited patio or indoor space
- Busy gardeners preferring low-maintenance, resilient plants
Who should skip it
- Small-space owners unable to manage large, spreading shrubs
- Fruit growers unwilling to battle local wildlife for crops
- Cold-climate gardeners without indoor storage space
Performance breakdown
Flavor Profile
Complex notes of caramel and honey elevate this variety above standard figs.
Drought Tolerance
Thrives in water-wise landscapes with minimal supplemental irrigation once established.
Pest Resistance
Reliable deer resistance makes this a low-maintenance choice for rural gardens.
Versatility
Adapts seamlessly to container gardening, formal hedges, or traditional garden beds.
Ornamental Appeal
Deeply lobed foliage provides structural beauty even when fruit is absent.
Climate Adaptability
Robust performance across zones 7 through 11 ensures wide regional viability.
Key Specs
SKU
27959
Genus
Ficus
Species
carica
Item Form
1-Gallon
Mature Height
10 Feet
Mature Width
6 Feet
Hardiness Zones
7 - 11
Foliage Color
Medium Green
Features
- Produces edible fruit with sugary, caramel, and honey flavor
- Fruit can be eaten fresh, dried, canned, or preserved
- Drought tolerant, suitable for water-wise gardens and xeriscapes
- Deer Resistant
- Grown with sustainable and ecologically sound practices
- Non-GMO item
- Suitable for use in beds, containers, or as a hedge
- Fruit contains significant amounts of calcium, potassium, phosphorus, and iron
What customers say
Customers consistently celebrate the Ficus Neverella Fig for its exceptional quality and striking aesthetic appeal. Reviewers frequently mention receiving plants that are robust, healthy, and well packaged, suggesting high standards of care during shipping. The unique, large foliage is a major draw, often exceeding expectations for indoor ornamental beauty. While some note the initial size is modest, the plant's vigorous growth potential and overall hardiness provide strong confidence in its long term value and reliability. This fig is clearly appreciated as a premium, distinctive houseplant.
Know before you buy
Yes, this variety is well-suited for container gardening. Ensure your pot has adequate drainage and is large enough to accommodate the tree as it reaches its mature size of 8 to 10 feet.
The Ficus Neverella thrives in Mediterranean-style climates and is hardy in zones 7 through 11. It prefers full sun and performs best in dry conditions while the fruit is ripening.
The fruit has a sweet, caramel-like flavor that is excellent for fresh eating. You can also dry, can, or preserve the figs to enjoy them throughout the year.
Yes, this variety is considered deer resistant, making it a practical choice for gardens where wildlife pressure is a concern. However, no plant is entirely deer-proof if food sources are scarce.
At maturity, this tree typically reaches a height of 8 to 10 feet with a spread of about 6 feet. Plan for this footprint when selecting a permanent location in your landscape or hedge.
Once established, the Ficus Neverella is quite drought tolerant. It is an excellent candidate for water-wise gardens and xeriscaping, though it will benefit from regular moisture while the tree is young.
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$35