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Fig tree planting and care and Clematis Care #768795

Asked August 23, 2021, 5:20 PM EDT

Hi, I just bought a Peter Honey fig tree (more like a bush right now in a 5 gallon container. It is full of figs that have not ripened yet. 1. Is it better to keep it in the pot or plant in the ground? I have space in my lawn but the location is kind of odd as far as esthetics is concerned. It has full sun. 2. If I keep it in a pot, would it kill the plant or make it less able to bear fruit next year? How long can I keep it in the pot? 3. If I plant it in the ground, what is a good time of the year to plant it? Should I wait till after the harvest and the leaves have fallen first? Will it disturb the plant too much if I plant it now while the fruits are still on? 4. Do I need to fertilize fig plants? If so, what kind of fertilizer and frequency? 5. Should I prune my fig tree every year if I want to keep it from growing too tall? If so, when is a good time to prune and HOW? Will it weaken the plant if I prune too much? For the Clematis, how often should I feed it and what kind of fertilizer? It is a one year old plant that is blooming already. Thank you so much. Alden

Multnomah County Oregon

Expert Response

Dear Alden,

Thank you for contacting Ask Extension about growing a fig tree in Oregon. Here is a good article that may answer a number of your questions including fertilizing, pruning, and potting:

https://extension.oregonstate.edu/news/dont-be-fooled-figs-grow-fine-western-oregon#:~:text=CORVALLIS%20%E2%80%93%20Though%20they%20look%20tropical,winters%20and%20hot%2Denough%20summers.

Transplant your fig in autumn after temperatures begin to cool. Full sun is best for your plant. As indicated in the article, you should start with a container that is at least 7-gallons, or more if possible. If you have the space, you might create a large raised bed at least 10-15 feet wide to allow deeper soil and better drainage. 

One retailer suggests winterizing your fig:

It is wise to wrap your tree to protect it from the cold if you live in an area where temperatures fall below ten degrees Fahrenheit. At zero to ten degrees F., hardy varieties will be injured only on the ends of the branches. To help your fig harden off for the winter, irrigation should be shut off after September 15 each year.

With regard to your clematis, this article describes care:
https://extension.oregonstate.edu/news/clematis-climb-special-place-garden

It would be helpful if you know what type of clematis you have, as this will affect when and how to prune. Your plant will benefit from more mulch (3 to 4 inches) plus shade over the root zone. A large-leafed plant works well for this purpose as long as it does not crowd the roots of your clematis. For fertilizing, I suggest using a slow-release 5-10-5 fertilizer. Carefully follow the label instructions for when and how to apply it.

I hope this information is helpful. If you have any other questions, please write again.

Best Regards, Replied August 25, 2021, 5:44 PM EDT

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