Chicago Hardy Fig (Ficus carica ‘Chicago Hardy’) is a deciduous fruiting shrub valued for its relative cold tolerance compared to most fig varieties. It has large, deeply lobed green leaves that create a lush, tropical appearance, and produces medium-sized purplish-brown fruit with a sweet, jam-like red interior. In Regina conditions, it typically dies back to the ground each winter and regrows from the roots in spring, with potential to produce fruit on new growth in late summer. Height: 1.5–3 m (5–10 ft) as a dieback shrub Spread: 1.5–3 m Growth habit: Multi-stem shrub due to annual dieback Light: Full sun (6–8+ hours daily) for best growth and fruiting Soil: Well-drained soil; avoids heavy, wet conditions Water: Moderate; keep evenly moist during establishment Hardiness: Marginal in Regina (roots may survive, top growth usually dies back) Winter protection: Best grown in a container and stored indoors in an unheated space If planted in-ground, requires heavy mulching or wrapping for survival Fertilizing: Light feeding in spring only; avoid late-season fertilizing Pruning: Remove winter-killed wood in spring; fruit forms on new growth Note: Container growing is the most reliable method for fruiting in Saskatchewan
