Botanical Name: Ficus microcarpa var. hillii ‘Flash’
Ficus Standard is an elegant evergreen feature tree trained with a clear, straight trunk and a dense canopy of glossy green foliage. Its clean, structured appearance brings an established and sophisticated look to contemporary and formal landscapes, while the elevated canopy adds greenery without visually crowding the space at ground level.
Key Features
• Trained into a standard tree form with a clear trunk and elevated leafy canopy
• Excellent for creating privacy and screening above fence lines
• Ideal for lining driveways, pathways and property boundaries
• Suitable for feature planting and large decorative pots
Pet-friendly: No. Please keep your pets from chewing the foliage or stems.
Size Available
• Height: 1.2m tall
• Pot Size: 250mm
• Mature Size: Can grow several metres tall if left unpruned; height and canopy width can be easily controlled with regular pruning
Care Guide
1. Light: Grows best in full sun to part shade. Aim for at least 4–6 hours of sunlight per day to maintain a dense, healthy canopy. Plants grown in heavier shade may develop less compact growth.
2. Water: Water deeply 2–3 times per week during the first few months after planting, adjusting according to rainfall, temperature and soil moisture. Advanced standard trees require consistent watering while establishing their root systems. Once established, water deeply around once a week during warm, dry periods. Plants grown in pots may require more frequent watering, particularly during summer. Avoid constantly wet or waterlogged soil.
3. Soil: Prefers fertile, well-drained soil enriched with organic matter but adapts to a range of soil types. Improve poor soil with compost or organic matter before planting. For container growing, use a premium-quality, well-draining potting mix. Apply mulch around the root zone to help retain moisture, keeping mulch away from direct contact with the trunk.
4. Fertiliser: Apply a balanced slow-release fertiliser suitable for trees and shrubs in early spring to encourage healthy foliage and canopy growth. A second application during the warmer growing season can be beneficial, particularly for regularly trimmed or container-grown plants. Always follow the manufacturer’s recommended application rates and water thoroughly after fertilising.
5. Pruning: Trim the canopy regularly during the active growing season to maintain the desired size, density and shape. Light, frequent pruning encourages branching and creates a fuller canopy. Remove any shoots growing from the clear trunk or below the desired canopy level to maintain the standard form. Also remove dead, damaged or crossing branches as needed.
