The Celestial Fig, otherwise known as the Ficus Carica ‘Celestial’ or Forsythia x intermedia ‘Lynwood Variety’, Forsythia × intermedia ‘Lynwood’, Forsythia × intermedia ‘Lynwood Gold’, Forsythia ‘Lynwood Gold’, is a rather well known shrub plant by gardening enthusiasts around the world.
Best known for its low maintenance and moderate growth, this shrub will likely liven up your house (or garden) with its green colored leaves. But, only if you learn how to take proper care of it for it to thrive.
Fortunately, this is exactly what we’ll cover in this Celestial Fig Care Guide. So let’s dive in.
The fundamental caring guidelines for every Celestial Fig can be summed up into the following:
- Water: The Celestial Fig prefers constant watering each week and more during the hot season.
- Light: Keep your Ficus Carica ‘Celestial’ in an environment where it can receive full sun on a daily basis.
- Soil: Make sure to keep the Celestial Fig in soil with moist but well-draining properties, so ideally, one that is made of clay, loam, chalk, and sand.
And as with many other plants, these are the only three care factors you need to remember to make sure your Celestial Fig is, for the most part, healthy and well to survive.
Scientific / Botanical Aspects
In botanical terms, the Celestial Fig belongs to the Oleaceae family, and the genus Forsythia, hence its scientific (or botanical) name Ficus Carica ‘Celestial’ (FYE-kus KAH-ri-ka).
As with other Forsythia’s, the Celestial Fig is a deciduous plant, which means it will shed its leaves annually once autumn comes.
Growing Region
Knowing your plant’s native region is very useful, as it can give you tips on which environment is best for your Celestial Fig. If you keep it in mind, you can try to replicate these conditions at home, and you’ll likely end with a healthier plant.
With this in mind, the Ficus Carica ‘Celestial’ will be most used to the heat zones in the 5 – 9 region, as the plant hardiness level falls between 6b, 6a, 7b, 7a, 8b, 8a and the ideal climate zone is between 1A, 2, 2A, 2B, 3, 3A, 3B, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 14, 15, 16, 18, 19, A2, A3.
Growth and Size
Growth
In terms of size and growth, the Celestial Fig is a relatively moderate grower, which makes things somewhat easy for any plant enthusiast.
Size
But, how big does the Celestial Fig actually get? What should you expect in terms of size? Let’s dive right in…
The Ficus Carica ‘Celestial’ can grow up to 6′ – 9′ (180cm – 270cm) in 6′ – 9′ (180cm – 270cm) and 6′ – 9′ (180cm – 270cm) in 6′ – 9′ (180cm – 270cm).
These dimensions make the Celestial Fig a relatively large shrub compared to others, so it’s best to keep this fact in mind since it will affect where you want to keep yours at home.
Also, expect it to grow in a wonderful rounded shape, which is something worthwhile to remember when making your garden landscape plans.
This is why experts recommend keeping an area of approximately 72″ – 108″ (180cm – 270cm) free so the Celestial Fig can spread to its best extent.
Water
In terms of watering, the Celestial Fig is a fairly simple plant to take care of.
This is mostly because it has a straightforward watering schedule and somewhat regular watering needs.
Specifically, most experts agree that the Ficus Carica ‘Celestial’ prefers constant watering each week and more during the hot season.
Which is why it is considered a plant with relatively average needs in terms of water.
Watering
As a rule of thumb, you should remember to keep your Celestial Fig in soil with moist but well-draining characteristics, as these will guarantee the right conditions for your plant to grow and thrive.
But, if you want a ‘one-size-fits-all’ solution to watering your Celestial Fig then you should consider the famous ‘finger’ test. To perform this test, you just need to put your finger in your plant’s soil and determine if it’s moist or not. If it is, then don’t water; if it isn’t, then please do. In any case, this test will allow you to know if your Celestial Fig needs or does not need water, every time.
Soil Mix
The Celestial Fig’s ideal soil potting mix is made out of clay, loam, chalk, and sand.
This is why most experts agree that the Celestial Fig requires soil with clay, high organic matter, loam (silt), and sand, which will give you the right conditions it needs.
In addition to this, expert gardeners recommend having preferably alkaline, acid or neutral soil.
Light and Exposure
In terms of light & exposure, the Celestial Fig requires full sun in order for it to thrive under the right conditions.
Most experts agree that this shrub will do well as long as you keep it in partial to full sun, and it will be able to grow properly.
Specifically, we recommend that you place your Ficus Carica ‘Celestial’ in little to partial shade (only 2-6 hours of direct sunlight a day), to full and direct sun (more 6 hours of direct sunlight per day).
Season
Being a deciduous plant, the Celestial Fig will shed its leaves annually once autumn comes.
But, you can expect it to have its ‘prime-time’ during the spring (early, mid).
Flowers
The Celestial Fig produces some wonderful gold/yellow flowers around this time of year.
Foliage
The leaves from the Celestial Fig have a beautiful green color during most of the year.
In particular, they have a simple arrangement with a opposite organization in its leaves.
You can expect the leaves from your Ficus Carica ‘Celestial’ to be around (3-6 inches) in size.
Attracts, Tolerance and Resistance
The Celestial Fig is well known for its tolerance to clay soil, drought and animals like deer, so don’t worry if any of these come along, your Ficus Carica ‘Celestial’ will be fine.
Garden
Does your Celestial Fig have any garden recommendations? Does it serve any gardening purposes? Here’s how you can get the most out of your new plant.
Most Ficus Carica ‘Celestial’ owners agree that this shrub will look great in most mediterranean and rustic gardens of all types.
Other owners consider that they complement well most gardens of informal and cottage, coastal garden, and in traditional garden styles.
In particular, the Celestial Fig’s best location within your garden is in banks and slopes, and in hedges and screens, others use it for landscaping in a espalier, coastal exposure, specimen, container, kitchen garden, or a urban garden.
Companion Plants
Celestial Fig’s do well with some other plants beside it. One good companion plant is the Rosmarinus, which will pair up nicely with your leafy friend.
Others consider that a nice Lavandula will work well too, so choose whichever you find works best for you!
Conclusion
And we’ve come to an end. Fortunately, that’s everything you need to know about your Celestial Fig to keep it safe and sound in your garden or home. Enjoy planting!
