{"product_id":"ficus-microcarpa-green-island","title":"Ficus microcarpa 'Green Island'","description":"\u003ch2 class=\"text-text-100 mt-3 -mb-1 text-[1.125rem] font-bold\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eGreen Island Ficus\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBotanical Name:\u003c\/strong\u003e Ficus microcarpa 'Green Island'\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFamily:\u003c\/strong\u003e Moraceae\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOrigin:\u003c\/strong\u003e Tropical Asia (cultivated compact selection)\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePlant Type:\u003c\/strong\u003e Evergreen compact shrub\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 class=\"text-text-100 mt-2 -mb-1 text-base font-bold\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOverview\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\"\u003eA compact, slow-growing ficus perfectly suited to Adelaide's warmer microclimates, Ficus microcarpa 'Green Island' forms dense, mounded growth of small rounded glossy deep green leaves that create year-round structure and elegance. Unlike the large invasive Ficus microcarpa species, 'Green Island' remains naturally compact and manageable, making it ideal for low hedging, borders, containers and bonsai. Exceptionally tolerant of pruning and shaping, it responds beautifully to clipping while maintaining pristine foliage. Ideal for formal low hedges, containers, feature plantings and sheltered gardens, 'Green Island' brings refined tropical elegance to protected South Australian landscapes.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 class=\"text-text-100 mt-2 -mb-1 text-base font-bold\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eKey Features\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul class=\"[li_\u0026amp;]:mb-0 [li_\u0026amp;]:mt-1 [li_\u0026amp;]:gap-1 [\u0026amp;:not(:last-child)_ul]:pb-1 [\u0026amp;:not(:last-child)_ol]:pb-1 list-disc flex flex-col gap-1 pl-8 mb-3\"\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"whitespace-normal break-words pl-2\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eMature Size:\u003c\/strong\u003e 0.9–1.5 m H × 0.9–1.5 m W (naturally compact; easily kept smaller with pruning; can reach 2-2.4 m if unpruned in ideal conditions)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"whitespace-normal break-words pl-2\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eGrowth Rate:\u003c\/strong\u003e 15–30 cm per year under good conditions (slow to moderate growth—much slower than standard Ficus microcarpa)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"whitespace-normal break-words pl-2\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFoliage:\u003c\/strong\u003e Small, rounded, glossy deep green leaves; very dense, compact mounding habit; evergreen year-round\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"whitespace-normal break-words pl-2\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFlowers:\u003c\/strong\u003e Inconspicuous; rarely flowers; may produce small ornamental figs in warm climates (not the main feature)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"whitespace-normal break-words pl-2\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFragrance:\u003c\/strong\u003e Not fragrant\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"whitespace-normal break-words pl-2\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSeasonal Interest:\u003c\/strong\u003e Evergreen glossy structure year-round; consistent deep green colour through all seasons\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"whitespace-normal break-words pl-2\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eWildlife Value:\u003c\/strong\u003e Dense foliage provides shelter; occasional figs (if produced) may attract birds\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"whitespace-normal break-words pl-2\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eTolerance:\u003c\/strong\u003e Moderate drought tolerance once established (prefers consistent moisture); heat-tolerant; frost-tender (cannot tolerate frost—protect from freezing temperatures or grow indoors\/in containers that can be moved); wind-sensitive (needs sheltered positions); coastal-tolerant in sheltered positions; non-invasive root system (unlike standard Ficus microcarpa)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"whitespace-normal break-words pl-2\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePlanting Density:\u003c\/strong\u003e 2–3 plants per m²; Low hedge: 60–90 cm apart; Feature\/specimen: 1 plant per focal point or container\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"whitespace-normal break-words pl-2\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePet Friendly:\u003c\/strong\u003e No—toxic if chewed; milky sap can cause skin irritation in pets and humans\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch3 class=\"text-text-100 mt-2 -mb-1 text-base font-bold\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhere It Works Best\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul class=\"[li_\u0026amp;]:mb-0 [li_\u0026amp;]:mt-1 [li_\u0026amp;]:gap-1 [\u0026amp;:not(:last-child)_ul]:pb-1 [\u0026amp;:not(:last-child)_ol]:pb-1 list-disc flex flex-col gap-1 pl-8 mb-3\"\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"whitespace-normal break-words pl-2\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSunlight:\u003c\/strong\u003e Full sun to part shade (adapts to a range of light conditions; tolerates deep shade indoors or in sheltered positions)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"whitespace-normal break-words pl-2\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSoil:\u003c\/strong\u003e Well-drained loam, sandy loam, or premium potting mix; prefers moist, well-drained soil; avoid waterlogging\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"whitespace-normal break-words pl-2\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eWater Needs:\u003c\/strong\u003e\n\u003cul class=\"[li_\u0026amp;]:mb-0 [li_\u0026amp;]:mt-1 [li_\u0026amp;]:gap-1 [\u0026amp;:not(:last-child)_ul]:pb-1 [\u0026amp;:not(:last-child)_ol]:pb-1 list-disc flex flex-col gap-1 pl-8 mb-3\"\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"whitespace-normal break-words pl-2\"\u003e\n\u003cem\u003eEstablishment:\u003c\/em\u003e Deep soak twice weekly for 8–12 weeks\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"whitespace-normal break-words pl-2\"\u003e\n\u003cem\u003eEstablished:\u003c\/em\u003e Deep soak 2–3 times weekly in summer for best appearance (more water-loving than drought-tolerant natives); reduce watering in winter\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"whitespace-normal break-words pl-2\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eMaintenance:\u003c\/strong\u003e Moderate maintenance; prune anytime to maintain desired shape and size—responds excellently to clipping; feed with balanced slow-release fertiliser in spring and summer; mulch to retain moisture; repot container specimens every 2–3 years; generally pest-free (occasional scale or mealybugs—easily managed); avoid heavy clay soils\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"whitespace-normal break-words pl-2\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eLifespan:\u003c\/strong\u003e 20–50+ years with proper care\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"whitespace-normal break-words pl-2\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eClimate Zones:\u003c\/strong\u003e Best for warm temperate and subtropical South Australia—Adelaide plains in sheltered, frost-free microclimates; sheltered coastal gardens; can be grown as indoor\/conservatory plant in cooler areas or moved indoors over winter\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"whitespace-normal break-words pl-2\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSoil pH:\u003c\/strong\u003e Slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6.0–7.0); adapts to a range of soil pH levels\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch3 class=\"text-text-100 mt-2 -mb-1 text-base font-bold\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eLandscape \u0026amp; Design Ideas\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul class=\"[li_\u0026amp;]:mb-0 [li_\u0026amp;]:mt-1 [li_\u0026amp;]:gap-1 [\u0026amp;:not(:last-child)_ul]:pb-1 [\u0026amp;:not(:last-child)_ol]:pb-1 list-disc flex flex-col gap-1 pl-8 mb-3\"\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"whitespace-normal break-words pl-2\"\u003eLow formal hedges and borders for refined tropical structure\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"whitespace-normal break-words pl-2\"\u003eContainers and pots for patios, courtyards, and sheltered outdoor areas (can be moved indoors in winter)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"whitespace-normal break-words pl-2\"\u003eBonsai specimens—responds excellently to training and shaping\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"whitespace-normal break-words pl-2\"\u003eFoundation plantings in sheltered, frost-free positions\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"whitespace-normal break-words pl-2\"\u003eIndoor\/conservatory plants in cooler climates\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"whitespace-normal break-words pl-2\"\u003eFeature plantings near entries and outdoor living spaces\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"whitespace-normal break-words pl-2\"\u003eContemporary and tropical landscapes requiring compact evergreen structure\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"whitespace-normal break-words pl-2\"\u003eFormal parterre and knot gardens for low structured hedging\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch3 class=\"text-text-100 mt-2 -mb-1 text-base font-bold\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhy You Will Love It\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\"\u003e'Green Island' ficus delivers refined tropical elegance in a compact, manageable form perfect for Adelaide's warmer sheltered gardens. The dense glossy foliage provides year-round structure, while the naturally compact habit and non-invasive roots make it safer and easier to manage than standard ficus species. Slow-growing, beautifully responsive to pruning, and perfect for formal low hedges and containers—it's the ultimate compact ficus for protected South Australian landscapes.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Adelaide Plant Co","offers":[{"title":"200mm Pot","offer_id":48796454977788,"sku":"FICU-MICR-GREE-ISLA-200MM","price":22.49,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0750\/9282\/0220\/files\/ficus-microcarpa-green-island-_200mm-pot-adelaide-plant-co.jpg?v=1771491124","url":"https:\/\/adelaideplantco.com.au\/products\/ficus-microcarpa-green-island","provider":"Adelaide Plant Co","version":"1.0","type":"link"}