Humans have a particularly long history of coevolution with figs. They can be grown as a tree, an espalier, a multi-stemmed shrub, or any other form you take the time to make. They will need some protection anywhere colder than zone 7. Chicago hardy is generally regarded as among the hardiest, but in reality the variety name has less to do with hardiness than does lignification and the timing of pruning. Wood that has not properly lignified can easily be damaged by temperatures below 15 degrees, whereas properly lignified wood can survive undamaged down to 5 or even 0 F. Many choose to grow them in pots and store in a garage, but simply bending branches to the ground and covering with leaves will keep the branch alive even in zone 5, which means you can harvest figs the following season!