Cultivation
Ficus rubiginosa is commonly used as a large ornamental tree in eastern Australia, in the North Island of New Zealand, and also in Hawaii and California, where it is also listed as an invasive species in some areas. It is useful as a shade tree in public parks and golf courses. Despite the size of the leaves, it is popular for bonsai work as it is extremely forgiving to work with and hard to kill; the leaves reduce readily by leaf-pruning in early summer. It has been described as the best tree for a beginner to work with, and is one of the most frequently used native species in Australia. A narrow leaved form with its origins somewhere north of Sydney is also seen in cultivation.
Ficus rubiginosa is also suited for use as a houseplant in low, medium or brightly-lit indoor spaces, although a variegated form requires brighter light. It has gained the Royal Horticultural Society's Award of Garden Merit.
It is easily propagated by cuttings or aerial layering. It is popular and well-suited for use in bonsai.
Read more about this topic: Ficus Rubiginosa
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