The Ficus hillii ‘Emerald Standard’ is a top-tier choice for creating a formal and elegant statement in any garden or courtyard. This cultivar of the Hills Weeping Fig is a tough and fast-growing plant that has been trained into a tree-like shape with a dense, rounded “head” of foliage atop a single, straight trunk. The result is a neat, classy, and highly versatile plant with beautiful, smooth bark and lush, glossy emerald-green leaves.
Caring for Your ‘Emerald Standard’
- Growing Conditions: This Ficus loves a full sun position but will also tolerate part shade. It’s best suited for warmer climates as it is not a fan of frost. It thrives in well-draining soil and can be grown in the ground or in pots.
- Watering: Like most Ficus, it prefers consistently moist soil but doesn’t like to sit in waterlogged conditions, which can lead to root rot. Water regularly, especially when it’s young and during hot, dry spells. A good layer of mulch will help keep the soil moist.
- Feeding: To keep its vibrant foliage looking its best, give it a feed with a slow-release fertiliser twice a year—once in spring and again in autumn.
- Pruning: Regular pruning is essential to maintain its perfect “lollipop” shape and dense foliage. A light trim of the head in the warmer months is all that’s needed to keep it neat and compact.
Usage in the Garden
The ‘Emerald Standard’ is a versatile workhorse for formal garden designs. Its clean lines make it a sensational choice for flanking an entrance, lining a pathway, or as a pair in decorative pots on a patio. It can be used to add height and structure to a garden bed, and its dense canopy is fantastic for creating a privacy screen or a mini shade tree. The plant’s ability to be kept compact through pruning also makes it a brilliant option for small gardens and courtyards.
