Emerald Fig

Emerald Fig (Ficus microcarpa 'Emerald') is the fig to plant when you want a formal green wall that stays sharp with two trims a year. It reaches about 3m tall and 2m wide as a clipped hedge, holding small glossy leaves densely enough to read as a solid surface from a few metres away. It also shapes well into balls, cones and standards.

Why you'll love it

• It clips to a crisp edge. Small leaves and tight internodes mean a trimmed face looks even rather than ragged.
• Fast to close a gap. Planted 60cm apart it forms a continuous hedge within about two seasons in a warm garden.
• Dense evergreen cover. Foliage carries right to the base, so there is no bare zone at fence height once it is established.
• Coastal and humid climates suit it. Salt tolerant, humidity tolerant and drought tolerant once the roots are down.

Where it works best

Hedging and screening. Plant 60cm apart in a single row for a dense clipped hedge. For a taller, looser screen, stretch the spacing to 1m and trim less often.

Topiary and shaping. It takes hard shaping well and holds a clean outline between trims, the standard choice for clipped balls and standards at an entry.

Pots and courtyards. A container of 500mm or wider restricts the roots and holds it at 1.5m to 2m, the safest way to use a fig in a small paved space.

Growing Emerald Fig in Australia

Position and climate. Full sun to part shade, with the densest growth in sun. It suits tropical, subtropical and warm temperate gardens. It takes light frost only, so cold inland and southern districts need a sheltered position or a different hedge plant.

Soil. Almost any drained soil. Improve heavy clay with compost and plant slightly high. Mulch 75mm deep, kept clear of the stems.

Water and feed. Deep soak twice a week through the first summer, then weekly in dry spells. A clipped hedge works hard, so feed a complete slow release fertiliser in early spring and mid summer.

Pruning and roots. Trim twice a year for a formal face, or three times for very tight topiary, cutting into leafy growth rather than bare wood. Be careful where you plant it: like all figs the roots are vigorous and searching, so keep it at least 3m from pipes, pools, paving and house footings. The sap is milky and can irritate skin, so wear gloves when trimming.

What to expect when it arrives

Emerald Fig is grown in 200mm pots in packs of six, 250mm packs of three, single 300mm pots and advanced 25L and 100L stock. The 200mm and 250mm packs are the practical choice for a hedge run, since figs establish quickly and catch up within a season or two. The 25L and 100L plants give immediate height where privacy is needed now.

Some leaf drop after transit is normal as the fig adjusts to new light, and it regrows within a month. Plants are delivered Australia wide, with delivery from $29.95 and a minimum order of $300 before delivery. Advanced and large stock is freighted at cost, and every plant carries our 30 day healthy plant guarantee.

Plant care guides and related reading

• Read our guide to planting and keeping a sharp hedge
• Compare the wider ficus range
• See other hedging plants
• Browse plants suited to topiary and shaping

Common questions

How far apart should I plant it for a hedge?

Sixty centimetres apart in one row for a dense clipped hedge. Closer spacing costs more without closing faster and makes watering and feeding along the row harder.

Are the roots a risk near a pool or pipes?

Yes, figs have strong searching roots. Allow at least 3m of clearance from pool shells, plumbing, paving and footings, or grow it in a large pot where roots are contained.

How often does it need trimming?

Twice a year holds a clean hedge face, and three times suits detailed topiary. Trim after each growth flush and always cut back into leafy wood.