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Ficus Green Island is a low-growing evergreen shrub with dense green foliage. Ideal for low hedges, foundation beds, and landscape borders in Southwest Florida.
| Mature Height: | 3'-5' |
|---|---|
| Mature Width: | 3-5 ft. |
| Sunlight: | Full Sun to Part Shade (4-8+ Hours) |
| Water Needs: | Moderate |
| Growth Rate: | Moderate |
| Botanical Name: | Ficus microcarpa 'Green Island' |
| Grows Well In Zones: | USDA Zones: 10-11 |
Ficus Green Island – A Low-Maintenance Evergreen for Hedges and Borders Maintains a naturally rounded shape with minimal pruning. Suitable for foundation plantings, garden borders, and mass plantings.
Maintains a naturally rounded shape with minimal pruning. Suitable for foundation plantings, garden borders, and mass plantings.
Ficus Green Island is a compact evergreen shrub known for its thick, rounded, glossy green leaves and dense branching growth. Its naturally low, spreading shape provides year-round foliage coverage without requiring frequent pruning. In Southwest Florida, it is commonly used for low hedges, foundation plantings, landscape borders, and mass plantings.
Botanically known as Ficus microcarpa 'Green Island', typically grows 2–4 feet tall and 3–5 feet wide, depending on growing conditions and pruning. Its dense, rounded growth makes it suitable for smaller landscape beds where a tall privacy shrub is not needed.
This shrub grows best in full sun to partial shade and prefers well-drained soil. It adapts to Southwest Florida's sandy landscape conditions and maintains dense green foliage in locations receiving adequate sunlight.
For low hedges and mass plantings, space Ficus Green Island approximately 2–3 feet apart, depending on the starting plant size and desired coverage. Its spreading branches gradually fill gaps between plants, creating continuous evergreen borders.
Newly planted Ficus Green Island requires regular watering while its roots become established. Mature plants tolerate short dry periods but benefit from additional irrigation during extended drought. Allow the upper soil to begin drying between waterings and avoid prolonged standing water.
Ficus Green Island grows at a slow to moderate rate and generally requires less frequent pruning than larger Ficus varieties. Occasional trimming helps maintain a rounded shape and keeps branches from extending into nearby walkways or planting areas.
Like other Ficus varieties, Green Island develops spreading roots as it matures. Allow adequate space from paving and structures. Its milky sap may cause skin irritation when branches are cut, so gloves are recommended during pruning.
Why You'll Love It
Naturally Compact Growth: Typically stays 2–4 feet tall, making it suitable for residential landscape beds where a shorter evergreen shrub is preferred.
Dense Evergreen Coverage: Thick, glossy green leaves and closely spaced branches provide consistent foliage throughout the year.
Low-Maintenance Hedges: Naturally rounded growth creates full, low hedges with less frequent shaping than many fast-growing screening shrubs.
Drought Tolerance: Established plants handle short dry periods, making them suitable for well-drained landscape beds with moderate irrigation.
Sun Requirements: Grows in full sun to partial shade, allowing use in different residential planting locations.
Water Needs: Requires regular watering during establishment and supplemental irrigation during extended dry periods once mature.
Mature Size: Approximately 2–4 feet tall and 3–5 feet wide, depending on growing conditions and pruning.
Best Uses: Foundation beds, low landscape hedges, mass plantings, walkway borders, palm planting beds, and large outdoor containers.
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