FloridaLandscapeIQ
Green Island Ficus (Ficus microcarpa 'Green Island') growing in South Florida
Grade Florida #1

Green Island Ficus — South Florida Plant Guide

Ficus microcarpa 'Green Island'

Family: Moraceae · Shrub

Legal status pending editorial verification. Confirm with your county before installation.

Landscape Uses

low hedgeformal hedgefoundation plantingcontainertopiarymass planting

Style Tags

formalcontemporaryresorttropical

South Florida Growing Guide

Light Requirements

Full SunPartial SunPartial Shade

Water Requirements

Low3/10

Once established (12–18 months), Green Island Ficus is drought-tolerant and requires minimal supplemental irrigation in South Florida.

Moderate water. 2-3x per week dry season for hedge use. Once established, moderate drought tolerance. Avoid overwatering.

Soil and Fertilization

sandylimestoneloam

Fertilizer: Balanced 8-2-12 with iron and manganese for limestone soils.

Schedule: February, May, September slow-release granular with micronutrients.

Salt Tolerance

Moderate (6/10) — some protection from direct spray recommended
Mature Height
28 ft
Mature Width
28 ft
Growth Rate
slow-to-moderate
Water Demand
3/10
Florida Grade
Florida #1
Installed Cost
$$
USDA Zones
10a, 10b, 11
FLEPPC Status
None
Iguana Rating
5/10

Where to Buy in South Florida

Find Green Island Ficus at South Florida nurseries — check availability and pricing at nurseries near you.

Frequently Asked Questions

How fast does Green Island Ficus grow in South Florida?

Green Island Ficus has a slow-to-moderate growth rate. In South Florida's warm, humid climate it typically establishes quickly with proper watering and fertilization.

Is Green Island Ficus safe for pets?

Green Island Ficus is not safe for pets. Latex sap may cause mild irritation. Ficus leaves cause mild GI upset if consumed by pets. Low risk in landscape setting.

How much water does Green Island Ficus need in South Florida?

Low water needs (3/10). Once established (12–18 months), Green Island Ficus is drought-tolerant and requires minimal supplemental irrigation in South Florida.

Can Green Island Ficus tolerate salt air in South Florida?

Green Island Ficus has moderate salt tolerance (6/10). It can handle some coastal exposure but should be protected from direct ocean spray.

Is Green Island Ficus available in Miami-Dade County?

In Miami-Dade County, Green Island Ficus is classified as: allowed. Allowed.

County Availability in South Florida

Miami-Dade County

Allowed

Allowed. Non-restricted.

✓ Coastal OK

USDA Zone 10a–11. Tropical climate, year-round warmth and humidity.

View County Guide →

Broward County

Allowed

Allowed. Standard HOA hedge specification throughout Broward County.

✓ Coastal OK

USDA Zone 10a–10b. Subtropical with warm winters and wet/dry seasons.

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Palm Beach County

Allowed

Allowed. Cold sensitive — may be damaged in freezes north of Lake Worth.

✓ Coastal OK

USDA Zone 9b–10b. Transitional zone with occasional winter cold in north.

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Collier County

Allowed

Allowed. Common in Naples area upscale HOA communities.

✓ Coastal OK

USDA Zone 10a–10b. Subtropical Gulf Coast with seasonal flooding.

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Monroe County

Allowed

Allowed. Moderate-high salt tolerance for Keys protected sites.

✓ Coastal OK

USDA Zone 11. Tropical maritime, highest salt exposure of all 5 counties.

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Full ordinance references and permit requirements available to Professional subscribers. Always verify current county requirements before installation.

Need a Spec Sheet?

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Ask about Green Island Ficus

Get answers grounded in UF/IFAS research and South Florida landscape data.