Ficus afghanistanica 'Silver Lyre'

The Afghan Fig is a vigorous, hardy large shrub or small tree that is native to the mountainous regions of northern India and western Iran and Afghanistan. Drought, heat, and cold tolerant, the Afghan fig is a versatile performer. It will produce dark and sweet edible figs that are smaller than those of its cousin, the common fig. While similar to the common fig, Ficus carica, this plant has lacey, detailed, silver leaves not unlike a snowflake. The bark has a reddish hue unlike the chalky white bark we’re accustomed to and has a tendency to grow shrubby more so than upright. Here at the nursery, we maintain ours as an upright tree, but one could easily keep this lower. We offer a selection known as ‘Silver Lyre’ introduced from plantsman Sean Hogan. Cold hardy to USDA zone 7a and above, or to 5 degrees Fahrenheit.

A Cistus introduction...yet another hardy fig. We wonder where it's been all our lives. Native from Northern India to western Iran and Afghanistan and a delicacy there with its small, dark, very sweet fruit. We have selected this form from seed for its entrancing, filigreed, silver-green leaves of about 5-7". So far, ours have been for external use only as we have not tasted the fruit. Eventually might reach 15-20 ft in height; can easily be kept smaller with pruning. Sun to part shade. Very drought tolerant once established. Frost hardy to the upper edge of USDA zone 7 so far.