The Green Island Ficus (Ficus microcarpa ‘Green Island’) is a compact, slow-growing evergreen shrub with small, glossy, deep green leaves on a dense, rounded mound. It matures at 2–4 feet tall and 4–5 feet wide, thrives in full sun to part shade, and is drought-tolerant once established — one of the most dependable low hedges and foundation plants in South Florida.
Why Florida Customers Choose Us
| Size | Typical height | Spacing | Typical price | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3-Gallon | 8–12" | 1 ft apart | $7.99 | Center-to-center |
| 7-Gallon | 16–20" | 2 ft apart | $29.99 | Center-to-center |
| 15-Gallon | 3–4ft | 3 ft apart | $199.99 | Center-to-center |
| 25-Gallon | 4–5ft | 4 ft apart | $449.99 | Center-to-center |
Green Island Breakdown
Appearance:
Features small, leathery, oval-shaped leaves with a deep green, shiny surface.
Growth is dense and rounded, forming tidy mounds with minimal pruning. Its low, spreading habit makes it a favorite for manicured hedges or ground-level fill.
Growth Rate:
Slow to moderate.
While it takes time to establish and fill in, its dense habit means it rarely looks sparse or unkempt.
Size:
Typically grows 2–3 feet tall and spreads 3–4 feet wide, but can be maintained smaller with trimming or trained into bonsai-like forms.
Sunlight Requirements:
Tolerates full sun to partial shade.
Thrives with 4–6 hours of sunlight daily but can also perform well in filtered light or areas with some afternoon shade.
Water Needs:
Low once established.
It prefers well-drained soil and should not be overwatered. Water regularly during establishment, then reduce frequency.
Soil Preferences:
Performs best in sandy or loamy soils with good drainage.
It adapts to a wide range of soil conditions and tolerates occasional salt spray, making it suitable for coastal landscapes.
Maintenance:
Low.
Requires minimal pruning to maintain shape or encourage fuller growth. Can be sheared regularly for formal hedges or left more natural for a casual look.
Landscape Use:
Ideal for edging walkways, driveway borders, low hedges, filler plants in landscape beds, or even as a bonsai specimen.
Its durability and neat appearance make it versatile for both residential and commercial landscapes.
Climate Tolerance:
Hardy in USDA zones 9–11.
Tolerates heat, humidity, and mild drought. It is not frost-tolerant and should be protected or brought indoors in colder climates.
The Green Island Ficus is a durable and attractive plant choice for Florida and other tropical to subtropical regions. Its compact size, ease of care, and clean look make it a go-to plant for landscape designers seeking reliable, low-maintenance greenery with year-round appeal.
Florida Delivery Available
We have in-stock Green Island ready to ship throughout Florida. Multiple sizes available with professional installation options. Order online or text/call 561-898-2028 for expert advice.
Frequently Asked Questions
How to Plant & Care for Green Island in Florida
Choose Sun + Spacing
Most Florida plants prefer full to partial sun. Check mature width and space accordingly so plants don’t crowd as they fill in.
Dig Wide, Not Deep
Dig a hole 2–3x wider than the container and slightly shallow. This encourages roots to spread outward into native soil.
Plant at Proper Height
Remove from the pot, loosen circling roots, and plant with the root ball level to slightly above grade.
Water to Establish
Water deeply right after planting. For the first 10–14 days, consistent moisture is critical—don’t let the root ball dry out.
Mulch + Light Maintenance
Apply 2–3 inches of mulch (keep off the stem). Once settled, light trimming encourages fuller growth.
Professional Installation Available: Not comfortable planting yourself? We offer expert installation services throughout Florida. Our team has 15+ years of experience ensuring your plants thrive. Call 561-898-2028 to add installation to your order.
What Florida Customers Say
No need to look any further than Dino's Palms :) Incredible website - very easy to use. After a few minutes with fantastic pricing, I purchased what was needed and sent the order. Received an immediate reply and a subsequent date for installation. The tree was as described - the installer was professional and thorough even cleaning where some dirt had fallen in the street. Will deal again Highly recommend / easy 5 Stars - thank you!!!
After scouring the internet for reviews for Landscapers I came across Dino's Palms and sure glad I did! The owner's husband and wife came and were very helpful picking out everything we wanted! We made a deal on doing my entire property and they personally came with a crew to install in one day! The plants were healthy and beautiful and the price for everything was much cheaper than anyone else!
Do not look any further. These guys are awesome. Punctual, WAY more affordable plants than Home Depot, and the quality of plants delivered were far superior than any nursery I've been to. Great to deal with and very professional. Our installer went above and beyond to insure our satisfaction and he was a true professional.
