Ficus ‘Green Mound’

Ficus 'Green Mound' (Ficus microcarpa) is a dwarf, shrubby fig that holds at about 1.5m tall and wide, with small glossy leaves packed tightly enough to clip into a crisp low hedge or a ball. It takes shearing better than almost anything at this size and recovers quickly after a hard cut. Salt and heat tolerant, it holds its colour in coastal and inland gardens alike.

Why you'll love it

• Takes clipping and comes back. Fine, dense growth means a sharp edge after every trim, and it reshoots from old wood if a hedge gets away.
• Stays low without a fight. A natural 1.5m ceiling, so a low hedge needs no constant reduction to hold its height.
• Glossy all year. Evergreen, with small leathery leaves that stay clean in heat, humidity and salt air.
• Sold in every size you need. From tube for a long border to 200L for an instant result, so budget and timeframe are both covered.

Where it works best

Low hedging and edging. Plant 60cm apart in a single row for a dense low hedge. Tighter spacing does not close the line faster and makes watering harder.

Topiary and shaping. Balls, cubes and cones hold their outline between trims, which is why landscapers default to it in formal courtyards.

Mass planting and pots. At 60cm centres in a grid it reads as a solid green block, and it settles into a trough or large pot beside an entry.

Growing Ficus Green Mound in Australia

Position and climate. Full sun for the densest growth, part shade for a looser habit. It suits tropical, subtropical and warm temperate gardens and takes light frost only, so cold inland and southern districts should choose a hardier low hedge or use a moveable pot.

Soil. Not fussy, but it wants drainage. Improve heavy clay with compost and plant on a slight mound. Mulch 75mm deep, kept clear of the stems. One caution: like all figs the roots are vigorous, so keep it clear of pipes, tanks and paving even at hedge size.

Water and feed. Deep soak twice a week through the first summer, then taper to weekly in dry spells. A controlled release fertiliser in early spring and late summer keeps the leaf colour deep.

Pruning. Tip prune from planting so it branches low. Two or three trims a year then hold a formal line, and a harder reduction in late spring resets an overgrown plant.

What to expect when it arrives

It is grown in twelve sizes. Tube, 140mm and 175mm plants are young and the value choice for a long border: slower to close, but quick to establish. The 200mm, 250mm, 300mm and 400mm pots are the middle ground, while 500mm and the 45L to 200L sizes arrive branched, carrying real height.

Plants are packed upright and delivered Australia wide, with delivery from $29.95. Advanced and large stock is freighted at cost. Expect new growth within four to six weeks in warm weather, and a closed hedge line in two to three seasons. Every plant is covered by our 30 day healthy plant guarantee.

Plant care guides and related reading

• Complete ficus care guide
• Browse the full ficus range
• Plants that suit topiary and shaping
• Compare hedging plants

Common questions

How far apart should I plant it for a hedge?

60cm apart in a single row gives a dense low hedge. Allow two to three seasons for the canopies to knit together.

Are the roots a problem near paving or pipes?

They can be. Fig roots are vigorous even on a dwarf selection, so plant a couple of metres clear of pipes, tanks, slabs and retaining walls.

How often does it need trimming?

Two or three trims a year hold a formal edge. For a softer shape, one trim after the main spring flush is enough.

Will it grow in a pot?

Yes, in a large pot with free draining mix. Potted plants need more water and feeding, and repotting every few years.