Hill's Fig / Ficus Flash
Botanical Name: Ficus microcarpa hillii 'Flash'
Family: Moraceae
Origin: Eastern Australia (selection of Hill’s fig)
Plant Type: Evergreen tree
Overview
A fast, dense, glossy-green fig bred for tidy form and quick screening. ‘Flash’ pushes fresh lime new growth that matures to deep green, creating an instant designer look for hedges, topiary standards and avenues in South Australian gardens. Flowers are inconspicuous; grown for foliage, structure and privacy.
Key Features
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Mature Size: 8–12 m H × 5–8 m W in open ground (easily kept smaller with clipping)
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Growth Rate: 50-80 cm per year under good conditions
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Foliage: Bold, glossy deep-green leaves; lime new growth; naturally upright, clip-responsive habit
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Flowers: Inconspicuous; may produce small figs in warm districts (bird interest)
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Seasonal Interest: Year-round evergreen structure; vivid lime flushes in warm months
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Wildlife Value: Dense canopy for shade/nesting; occasional figs (if formed) can feed birds
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Tolerance: Drought-tolerant (once established), heat-tolerant, wind-tolerant, second-line coastal-tolerant; light frost (protect young plants from hard frost); clay-tolerant with good drainage
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Planting Density: Avenue/specimen: 1 tree per 16–36 m² (4–6 m apart), depending on mature canopy
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Pet Friendly: No — toxic if chewed; milky sap can irritate pets/skin
Where It Works Best
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Sunlight: Full sun to part shade (best density in sun)
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Soil: Well-drained loam, sandy loam or improved clay; avoid waterlogging
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Water Needs: Establishment: 2 deep soaks/week for 8–12 weeks. Established: deep soak every 10–14 days in summer; monthly in winter if dry
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Maintenance: Mulch in spring; clip 2–3×/yr for hedges/standards; slow-release feed in early spring. Strong roots — plant away from pipes, paving and foundations
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Lifespan: 25–50+ years
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Climate Zones: Suited to temperate & Mediterranean SA gardens; best in frost-free, sheltered microclimates
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Soil pH: Acid, Neutral, Alkaline — highly adaptable
Landscape & Design Ideas
- Privacy screening and formal boundary hedges with a refined finish
- Avenues/driveways and clipped standards for instant street appeal
- Feature near entries, paths and outdoor living spaces; large pots (when young) for architectural impact
Why You Will Love It
A high-speed privacy maker with lush, glossy foliage, easy clipping and excellent heat/wind resilience — perfect for polished hedges and statement forms in SA gardens with minimal fuss.
