Green Island Ficus

12 years ago

I planted quite a few Green Island Ficus close together to form a hedge. I keep them trimmed and they look just beautiful. It is my understanding that unlike other varieties of ficus, they do develop large roots that will crack your sidewalks/driveways/foundation. They also are slower growing than most ficus so they don't have to be trimmed often. And they grow well in the shade or sun are drought tolerant and pretty much pest/disease free.

Given all of that, I am surprised that I don't see Green Island Ficus planted more often. It makes me wonder if there is something negative about this plant that I don't know about. It does not flower, so perhaps that is why it is not used more often, but it has very attractive dark green glossy leaves. When you trim it, it does weep a milky sap that can be irritating to your skin, but I have never had it cause any irritation to my skin.

Is there something about Green Island Ficus that I am missing? If not, I wonder why I don't see it used more in landscaping?

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Comments (5)

carolb_w_fl_coastal_9b
12 years ago
Is that a typo? You wrote: "they do develop large roots that will crack your sidewalks/driveways/foundation"...
yumtomatoes
Original Author
12 years ago
LOL! yes, it is a typo. I meant they do NOT develop large roots that will crack your sidewalks/driveway/foundation.
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fawnridge (Ricky)
12 years ago
Is there something about Green Island Ficus that I am missing? If not, I wonder why I don't see it used more in landscaping?

Spend some more time in gas stations and strip malls. It's one of the most popular plants for commercial landscaping.
FLgardenmom
12 years ago
I don't know anything about about Green Island Ficus, but in my experience, living in Palm Beach Co. for 5 years, those who choose ficus choose it because it is fast growing. Thus, I'm of the opinion that the same folks who want ficus, despite all the pitfalls, would have no interest in a slower growing form. Just my thoughts.
yumtomatoes
Original Author
12 years ago
Around here, you just don't see GIF much, even at strip malls and gas stations, which are all we have here other than banks and restaurants, lol!

It is actually not that slow growing compared to say Schefflera, just compared to other ficus.