Ficus microcarpa nitida
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Indian Laurel Columns
Indian Laurel Columns
Ficus microcarpa nitida
Indian Laurel - California's Favorite Privacy Hedge!
Indian Laurel is the all-around favorite among California homeowners and landscapers for its effectiveness in creating privacy hedges. Its thick, lush leaves form an impenetrable screen, providing seclusion and a sense of tranquility. Whether you’re blocking out a neighboring property, reducing noise, or creating a serene retreat, Indian Laurel delivers exceptional results. This versatile hedge is commonly seen in iconic areas like Beverly Hills and Palm Springs, adorning large California estates with its greenery.
Ficus microcarpa nitida, commonly known as Indian Laurel or simply Ficus nitida, is a versatile evergreen tree, grown in a staked-column form. This fast-growing tree can achieve an annual growth rate of 2-3 feet, quickly filling in gaps and providing a lush, green backdrop. Whether you’re aiming to establish a new hedge or fortify an existing one, Indian Laurel ensures rapid coverage and long-lasting beauty.
Indian Laurel is not only fast-growing but also low-maintenance. Once established, it becomes remarkably drought-tolerant, making it an excellent choice for water-conscious gardeners. This adaptable tree thrives in a range of soil types and environmental conditions. Whether planted in full sun or partial shade, Indian Laurel maintains its vibrant appearance year-round.
Key Features:
- Rapid Growth for Quick Coverage: 2-3 ft./Year
- Low-Maintenance and Drought-Tolerant: Once Established
- Adaptable and Versatile: Suitable for Various Landscaping Needs
- Easy to Shape and Maintain: Allows for a Custom Look
SUNLIGHT & LOCATION - Full sun or partial shade is ideal for optimal growth. Plant in well-drained, moderately fertile, sandy, or loamy soil. Protect from temperatures above 110℉, especially when young. Hardy to 30℉, it grows best in USDA zones 9-11.
PLANTING - Plant in well-drained, moderately fertile, sandy, or loamy soil. Choose a location with adequate drainage. Dig a hole twice as wide and just as deep as the root ball. Add G&B Organics Planting Mix to improve soil drainage and create a strong environment that allows plants to reach their full potential. Fill the hole with soil to the crown of the roots (careful not to bury it), ensuring that the plant is straight and secure in the ground. Water deeply and thoroughly after planting.
WATERING - Water deeply and thoroughly after planting. For the first few growing seasons, continue to water deeply and regularly to establish an extensive root system. Once established, reduce frequency but increase it during hot temperatures and periods of extreme heat.
FERTILIZING - Apply G&B Organics All Purpose Fertilizer 4-4-4 in early spring before new growth begins.
PRUNING - Keep plants pruned to maintain the desired shape and size. Do not prune more than a third of the tree at one time, as removing more can result in damage. The average preferred height of an Indian Laurel hedge is 6-18 feet, determined by pruning and environmental factors. The minimum width of an Indian Laurel hedge is typically 3 feet, but can be greater depending on pruning technique and frequency.
SEASONALITY - Protect from frost. Indian Laurel is hardy to 30℉ and may shed leaves due to cold temperatures, but it will quickly recover once the weather warms up.
Indian Laurel – Privacy Hedge Spacing Guide
When planting Indian Laurel (Ficus nitida) columns, spacing depends on the container size and how quickly you want the hedge to fill in. Below are the spacing recommendations for achieving an instant privacy hedge—a full, dense look immediately upon planting—along with the number of trees needed for 20 linear feet.
Container Size | Spacing On-Center | Trees per 20 ft |
---|---|---|
25 Gallon | 36 inches | 6-7 |
15 Gallon | 24 inches | 10 |
5 Gallon | 18 inches | 13-14 |
Instant Privacy Hedge
For immediate, dense coverage, plant the trees closer together, ensuring that their leaves almost touch. This creates a full privacy screen right away, offering maximum privacy, noise reduction, and a lush, green backdrop without the need to wait for the hedge to mature over time.
On-Center Spacing
On-center spacing refers to the distance between the centers of two adjacent plants. This method ensures uniform spacing across the hedge, promoting even growth and a consistent appearance.
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