Species

1 other cultivar

‘Emerald’Chinese Banyan

tree

Hill's Weeping Fig

Ficus microcarpa 'Flash'

The Story

Plant Bio

Ficus microcarpa is a dense, evergreen tree native to tropical and subtropical regions of Asia and Australia, characterized by a massive spreading canopy and smooth gray bark. In outdoor landscapes, it produces small, specialized green syconia that house hidden flowers, though it is widely grown globally as a durable indoor foliage plant.

'Flash' is a compact, upright cultivar selected for its tight, formal architectural structure and vibrant foliage. The new leaves emerge in a bright bronze-red flush before maturing into a deep, leathery, glossy green.

Uses & Benefits:

Provides a highly structured, formal architectural element with striking bronze-red young foliage that matures to deep glossy green.

Acts as an exceptional, fast-growing privacy screen or formal hedge when regularly sheared, with root systems that remain contained when the canopy is restricted.

Offers minimal ecological value when grown indoors, but provides dense shelter and nesting sites when grown outdoors in tropical climates.

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Tree

Height

394"

Width

118"

Light

Full Sun, Partial Sun

Zones

Water

Moderate

Humidity

High

Lifespan

Long-lived

Native To

Asia, Malesia, and Australia

Toxicity

Toxic to pets, skin irritant

Bloom period

Spring – Summer

In flower about 6 months of the year

Planting

How to Grow

Select a container with ample drainage holes and fill it with a well-draining, organic-rich loam or sandy potting mix.
Position the plant in a location receiving full sun to bright, indirect light to encourage vibrant new foliage color.
Water thoroughly when the top inch of soil feels dry, ensuring excess water drains away completely to prevent root rot.
Apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer once in spring to support the active growth phase.

Pro Tip

To maintain the signature bronze-red new growth, site the plant in bright, indirect light or full sun; deep shade stalls this color transition and results in dull green foliage.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Perform frequent light tip-pruning to maintain a dense, compact shape.
Provide bright, indirect light when growing indoors to preserve the reddish-bronze new growth.
Ensure the soil drains rapidly to protect the root system from waterlogging.

Don't

Do not prune aggressively into old, leafless bare wood, as it may fail to regenerate.
Avoid sudden environmental changes or moving the plant frequently, which triggers severe leaf drop.
Do not allow the pot to sit in standing water.

Seasonal Care Calendar

Task	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Fertilize
Pest Check
Prune
Winter Prep

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Indoor FoliagePatio ContainerFormal HedgePrivacy ScreenTopiary

Companion Plants

Ilex vomitoria Carpinus caroliniana Nephrolepis exaltata

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Hill's Weeping Fig questions

What zones can Hill's Weeping Fig grow in?

Hill's Weeping Fig is hardy in USDA Zone 10. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.

When does Hill's Weeping Fig bloom?

Hill's Weeping Fig typically blooms in spring through summer. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.

Does Hill's Weeping Fig need full sun?

Hill's Weeping Fig does best in full sun to part shade. In hot climates, afternoon shade keeps blooms fresher longer.

Is Hill's Weeping Fig drought tolerant?

Yes — once established (usually after the first full season), Hill's Weeping Fig handles dry spells with minimal watering. Water deeply its first year to build the root system that makes that possible.