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.
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 under optimal conditions, 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 for Various Landscaping Needs
- Easy to Shape and Maintain for a Custom Look
- Full sun or partial shade
- Plant in well drained, moderately fertile, sandy or loamy soil
- Protect from temperatures above 110℉, especially when young
- Hardy to $50℉ and grows best in USDA zones 10-11
- 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 build a strong soil 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.
- For the first few growing seasons, continue to water deeply and regularly to establish an extensive root system.
- Spacing of Ficus nitida columns for a hedge is dependent on the plant size and the immediate desired fullness.
- 2-3 ft. is the recommended spacing for a regular hedge. Spacing is "on-center", measured from the center of one tree to the center of the next tree.
- For a full-looking "instant hedge", plant the Indian Laurel columns closer to each other where the leaves are almost touching.
- Recommended spacing for the "instant hedge" look by container size:
- 25 Gallon - plant at 36 inches on center
- 15 Gallon - plant at 24-28 inches on center
- 5 Gallon - plant at 16 inches on center
- 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.
- Increase frequency during hot temperatures and periods of extreme heat.
- Apply All Purpose Fertilizer 4-4-4 in early spring, before new growth begins.
- Keep plants pruned to maintain desired shape and size.
- Do not prune more than a third of the tree at one time. Removing more than a third, all at once, may result in damage.
- The average preferred height of an Indian Laurel hedge is 5-10 feet. The height is 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.
- Protect from frost. Ficus nitida is hardy to $50℉ and may shed its leaves due to cold temperatures but will quickly recover once the weather warms up.
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