Ficus microcarpa ‘Flash’

Ficus 'Flash' (Ficus microcarpa 'Flash') is a glossy leaved evergreen that reaches about 6m tall and 3m wide left untrimmed, and clips willingly to any height below that. It is fast growing and holds foliage low on the plant, which is why it has become a standard choice for a tall privacy screen in warm climates. Planted 1m apart it closes into a solid green wall in a few seasons.

Why you'll love it

• Height when you need it. About 6m if left alone, or a clipped hedge at 2m to 3m, so one plant covers both jobs.
• Dense, glossy, evergreen. The small leaves knit into a fine textured wall that reads as solid, not loose.
• It takes shaping. Ficus responds to hard clipping better than almost anything else, which makes it the standard choice for formal hedges and topiary.
• Built for warm coastal climates. Heat, humidity and salt tolerant, so a humid summer or a coastal block does not slow it down.

Where it works best

Screening and privacy. Plant 1m apart in a single row. That spacing closes into a continuous screen without the plants competing, and keeps the base furnished rather than bare.

Formal hedging. Two or three trims a year hold it at any height from 1.5m up. Clip the sides slightly narrower at the top so light reaches the base.

Topiary and feature planting. Larger sizes suit a clipped column, a pleached row along a boundary or a matched pair either side of an entry.

Growing Ficus Flash in Australia

Position and climate. Full sun for the densest growth, though it copes with part shade. Tropical, subtropical and warm temperate gardens suit it. Light frost only, so cold inland districts and hard frosting southern gardens want something hardier.

Soil. It is not fussy about soil type provided it drains. The roots are the important point: like all figs they are vigorous, so keep the row at least 3m clear of pipes, drains, paving and footings. A narrow strip beside a driveway is the wrong place for it.

Water and feed. Deep soak twice a week through the first summer, then taper off. A complete slow release fertiliser in early spring and again in late summer keeps the colour up.

Pruning. Start trimming from planting rather than waiting for height, because early tip pruning builds density at the base. It reshoots from old wood, so a neglected hedge can be cut back hard.

What to expect when it arrives

It is grown in twelve sizes, from 175mm and 200mm packs of six through 250mm, 300mm, 400mm and 500mm pots, then 45L, 75L, 90L, 100L, 200L and 400L. The pack sizes are the value option for a long boundary, a season or two slower to close. From 45L up you are buying real height on day one.

Plants are packed to travel upright, and some leaf drop after transit is normal. Expect new growth within four to six weeks in warm weather. 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

• The complete fig and ficus care guide
• Compare the full ficus range
• Screening plants that finish between 4m and 8m
• Plants suited to topiary and shaping

Common questions

How far apart should I plant it for a screen?

One metre apart in a single row. Tighter spacing does not close the gap faster and makes watering and trimming harder.

Can I keep it at 2m?

Yes. Two or three trims a year hold it anywhere from 1.5m up, and because it shoots from old wood it stays dense at the base.

Are the roots a problem?

They can be, and it is the honest limitation. Fig roots are vigorous and travel, so keep the planting line well clear of pipes, drains and paving. In open ground it is not an issue.

Will it grow in a cold garden?

Only where frosts are light. It is a warm climate plant, so tablelands and hard frosting southern gardens need a hardier screen.