PlantDetails

Plant Code L11722

Botanical Name:Ficus nitida 'Emerald Green'

Common Name:Emerald Green Fig Tree

Bloom Time:Inconspicuous Flowers

Water Wise:No

Deer Resistant:No

Growth Rate:Fast

Average Size:25' H x 20' W

Spacing:15-20'

Flower Color:Green

Cold Hardiness:Zone 10
(40 to 30°F)

Light:Full Sun
6+ Hours Direct Sun

Additional
Information

Can be trimmed at any time to maintain size and form.

Botanical Name:Ficus nitida 'Emerald Green'

Common Name:Emerald Green Fig Tree

Uses:

Specimen, Shade, Feature, Container

Attributes:

• Vigorous tropical evergreen
• Lustrous green leaves
• Withstands heavy pruning
• Specimen or container plant

Plant Type or Function - Feature Tropical Foliage Landscape

• Most tropical plants need a frost free environment to successfully overwinter and be used as permanent plants in the garden. Geographically this leaves most areas of North America, except USDA cold hardines zones 10 and 11, unsuitable for reliably growing tropical plants as year-around permanent landscape addtions. However, that does not mean you can't enjoy tropical plants during the warm growing season as annuals (re-planted each year) or as container plants that are overwintered indoors.

  Adding tropical plants to traditional annual or perennial plantings, outside their natural cold hardy range, is an exciting new trend in garden design. A mixture or mass planting of exotic tropicals with huge shiny leaves, bold outrageous colors, ferny textures, and spectacular flowers can transform the ho hum summertime landscape A big plus is that topicals love the heat when other plants fizzle.

  Tropicals can be easily grown directly in the ground or in containers. Containerized plants can be placed on patios, decks and around pools. Planting in containers makes it much easier to move inside for the winter if you desire or simply replant next season.

  Feature plants are the focal point in the landscape placed in a prominent area so that their special form or unique characteristic can be admired. Great examples of feature plants include unusual weeping specimens and topiaries (sculptured plants).

  Planting and Care Information

  Planting

  • Dig a hole 2 times the width of the root ball and a depth slightly less than the height of the root ball. Allow the top surface of the root ball to rest 1/2 inch higher than the soil line.
  • Amend native soil dug from hole by mixing with organic soil conditioner according to directions.
  • For container grown plants, carefully remove plant by squeezing container and slowly removing the root ball. Never pull on the plant trunk. Instead let the root ball slide out by tipping the container. If the plant is heavily rooted, loosen roots by gently pulling a few away from the root ball. This encourages stronger root growth. Set root ball in hole making sure the top of the root ball is slightly higher (1/2 inch) than ground level. Place soil mix under root ball if too low. Backfill soil mix around plant to ground level and tamp lightly removing all air pockets.
  • For balled and burlaped plants (B&B), do not remove any materials surrounding the root ball yet. This includes any string, wiring, nails, cages or burlap. Set root ball in hole making sure the top of the root ball is slightly higher (1/2 inch) than ground level. Place soil mix under root ball if too low. Remove any ties around the root ball. Backfill soil mix around plant to ground level and tamp lightly removing all air pockets. Cut the burlap away from the trunk and be sure all edges are buried well below the soil surface. This helps prevent the root ball from drying out.
  • For bare root plants, trim any broken, twisted or discolored tips. Determine the original soil line by the change in color on the plant trunk. Set the plant in the hole so the soil line is above the surrounding soil. Space the roots evenly. Backfill soil mix around and between the roots and tamp lightly removing all air.
  • Water thoroughly to settle the soil around the plant. Add more soil mix around plant if necessary after watering.  Apply a root stimulator to encourage new root growth and fast establishment.
  • Build a soil ring around the plant, 6" beyond the edge of the hole, to use as a water reservoir to assist in watering until established.
  • Add a 2-3" layer of mulch around plant to conserve soil moisture and eliminate future weeds.
  • For trees, it may be necessary to secure the trunk by using three stakes placed at equal distances around the tree.

  Fertillization

  • Fertilize just before and during the plants active growing cycle. Fertilization should begin just prior to new growth and end three or four weeks before the first frost.
  • Choose an all-purpose fertilizer recommended for flowering and/or foliage plants. Frequency will depend on the type of fertilizer. Liquid (water soluble) and granular quick release fertilizer, require more frequent application; slow release granular fertilizer requires less.
  • When using granular fertilizer be sure to sprinkle fertilizer pellets away from the plant stems or trunk to prevent possible burning and always water thoroughly after application. This dissolves or releases the fertilizer into the soil. Apply water soluble fertilizer by thoroughly drenching the leaves and soil.
  • Always follow fertilizer package directions.

  Pruning

  • Prune trees to encourage growth, increase flowers or enhance a natural form.
  • When pruning, make angled cuts just above the bud.
  • Reduce disease and pests by pruning crossing or rubbing branches. This will help to increase air flow through the tree canopy.
  • Remove damaged or dead limbs back to live wood.
  • Prune branches that could easily fall and cause damage to people or property. Have a professional remove any limbs located near power lines.
  • Use proper tools such as shears, hand pruners, pole pruners and pruning saws. Make sure all equipment is clean and sharp.
  • Fertilize after pruning to help speed new growth.

  Watering

  • New plants require more frequent watering than established plants. After planting check for water regularly until fully rooted and established.
  • For large plants; build a soil ring around the plant to use as a water reservoir. This will assist in watering until the plant is established.
  • Always water slowly and deeply making sure the root ball is completely saturated.
  • Don't water at night if possible. Watering in the morning helps prevent disease.
  • If new plant wilts between watering, increase the frequency of watering.
  • Plants in hot, humid or sunny areas need more frequent watering than plants in cool climates.
  • Plants in containers may require more frequent watering than plants in the ground. This will depend on plant variety, pot size and soil.
  • Add a 2-3"" layer of organic mulch around plant to maintain and conserve soil moisture. Mulch will reduce watering frequency and speed root establishment.

  Product Checklist

  • Planting MixPromotes strong healthy growth and more flowers
  • Potting SoilReady to use mix for indoor and outdoor containers and hanging baskets
  • Plant StarterHelps plants quickly establish to their new home
  • Slow Release FertilizerFeeds for months with one application. Safe to use on new plantings
  • Organic MulchPrevents weeds for months, saves water and beautifies
  • Planting ToolsShovels, trowels, cultivators and other tools to make planting easy
  • Pre-emergent Weed ControlApply to ground after planting to prevent new weeds from sprouting
  • Soaker HoseEasy to use, conserves water, and reduces chance of leaf diseases
  • ContainersChoose from light weight resin, clay or ceramic for patio or porch
  • Landscape EdgingKeeps beds defined, easy to maintain, and free of lawn grass
  • Hedge or Pruning ShearsRegular pruning keeps shrubs full and promotes more flowers

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