Ficus elastica 'Burgundy' - Burgundy Rubber Tree

An ornamental accent plant producing large, oval, glossy green leaves with a burgundy tint and bright red midribs; direct sunlight produces the darkest burgundy color; grows quite large in frost free areas; a popular houseplant in colder climates

Height: 30 feet. Spread: 30 feet. Sun: full sun to partial shade. Hardiness zone: 10a.

Ornamental features

Burgundy Rubber Tree has attractive dark green foliage with pointy red spines and tinges of burgundy on a tree with a round habit of growth. The glossy oval leaves are highly ornamental and remain dark green throughout the winter.

Landscape

Burgundy Rubber Tree is a multi-stemmed evergreen tree with a more or less rounded form. Its average texture blends into the landscape, but can be balanced by one or two finer or coarser trees or shrubs for an effective composition.

This is a relatively low maintenance tree, and is best pruned in late winter once the threat of extreme cold has passed. It has no significant negative characteristics.

Recommended for: Accent, Shade, Hedges/Screening, General Garden Use, Container Planting.

Planting and growing

Burgundy Rubber Tree will grow to be about 30 feet tall at maturity, with a spread of 30 feet. It has a low canopy with a typical clearance of 2 feet from the ground, and should not be planted underneath power lines. It grows at a medium rate, and under ideal conditions can be expected to live for 50 years or more.

This tree does best in full sun to partial shade. It prefers dry to average moisture levels with very well-drained soil, and will often die in standing water. It is not particular as to soil type or pH. It is highly tolerant of urban pollution and will even thrive in inner city environments. Consider applying a thick mulch around the root zone in winter to protect it in exposed locations or colder microclimates. This is a selected variety of a species not originally from North America. It can be propagated by cuttings; however, as a cultivated variety, be aware that it may be subject to certain restrictions or prohibitions on propagation.

Photo courtesy of NetPS Plant Finder.