Chicago Hardy Fig (Ficus carica ‘Chicago Hardy’) - Zone 5

Chicago Hardy Fig, also called Bensonhurst Purple, is a fig selected in the Chicago area for greater cold tolerance. Well protected plants can survive temperatures near −29°C (−20°F), although winter damage remains possible in cold climates.

The self fertile shrubs produce medium purple brown figs with sweet, rich flesh from late summer into early fall. Fruit is eaten fresh, dried, or used for preserves. Plants reach 6 to 10 ft in the ground and remain smaller in containers, which can be moved into protected storage for winter.

Cold Hardiness Zone: 5
Mature Size: 6 to 10 ft tall and wide (smaller in containers)