Ficus microcarpa nitida Column (F. retusa)
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Indian Laurel Columns
Indian Laurel Columns
Ficus microcarpa nitida Column (F. retusa)
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Ficus nitida is the perfect choice for creating stunning hedges or privacy screens. This remarkable fast-growing evergreen tree is popular as a hedge for its tropical and lush appearance.
As a hedge, the fast growth rate of Indian Laurel Fig means you won’t have to wait too long before you can start enjoying your private backyard paradise. Ficus nitida can easily be pruned into a dense green wall 6 ft. high or taller. Consistent shearing or pruning is required to maintain the desired shape and density. The minimum width of a privacy hedge is typically 3 ft. but can be greater depending on pruning technique and frequency. Spacing of Ficus nitida columns for a hedge is dependent on the plant size and the immediate desired fullness, see plant care section for suggested spacing.
Ficus microcarpa nitida is densely covered with glossy green, leathery, large oval-shaped leaves. The new foliage is lime green and looks stunning against the older, darker leaves giving Indian Laurel a nice two-tone effect. Hardy to 30℉, Indian Laurel grows best in USDA zones 10-11 in full sun to partial shade and is drought-tolerant once established, but regular irrigation is important the first few years to help establish a strong root system.
If you desire privacy in your yard or want to block out less-desirable views, plant several Indian Laurel columns around property lines for a lush green border, or as a parterre, a formal garden design, to create a framed or secluded area for a cozy, inviting, intimate oasis. With its year-round beauty, Ficus nitida adds a lush and vibrant sculptural element to the landscape. Its tall, columnar growth habit and lush foliage make it an ideal option for creating stunning hedges or privacy screens that will transform your garden into a private sanctuary.
Indian Laurel Fig is popular for its lush green color, dense foliage, heat tolerance, and high adaptability to pruning and shaping.
Plant in well drained, moderately fertile, sandy or loamy soil in full sun. In hotter inland gardens, partial shade is ok. Indian Laurel Fig is extremely heat tolerant as long as it gets ample water during heatwaves. Protect from temperatures above 110℉, especially when young. Hardy to 30℉ and grows best in USDA zones 10-11. Protect from frost. Ficus nitida may shed its leaves due to cold temperatures but will quickly recover once the weather warms up.
Water regularly during warm temperatures. Allow the soil to slightly dry out in between waterings. Less water is required once established.
Keep plants pruned to maintain desired shape and size. Prune a third or less of the Indian Laurel. Pruning more than a third all at once may result in damage to the Ficus.
The average preferred height of Indian Laurel hedge is 5 to 10 feet. The height is determined by pruning and environmental factors.
The minimum width of a Ficus nitida hedge is typically 3 ft. but can be greater depending on pruning technique and frequency.
Spacing:
Spacing of Ficus nitida columns for a hedge is dependent on the plant size and the immediate desired fullness. 2-3 ft. is a general range recommended for spacing. The spacing is “on-center” of one plant to the center of the next plant.
For an “instant hedge”, plant the Indian Laurel columns closer to each other where the plants are almost touching. See recommended spacing by container size below:
24” box or 25-gallon tub can be planted at 36 inches on-center.
15-gallon or 10-gallon container can be planted at 24-28 inches on-center.
5-gallon or 3-gallon container can be planted at 16 inches on-center.
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