Ficus Hillii and Ficus Hillii 'Flash' are two cultivars of Ficus microcarpa, both popular for hedging in Australia. They are similar enough that buyers often ask which one to choose. The differences are real but specific.
This is a practical side-by-side comparison covering foliage, growth, size and which to pick for which job.
Quick comparison at a glance
Mature height: Flash 9m vs Hillii 6m. Both can be pruned to desired height.
Mature width: Flash 4.5m vs Hillii 3 to 4m.
Growth rate: Both fast.
Foliage: Flash has larger, glossier leaves with wavy margins, around 15cm long. Hillii has smaller oval leaves around 10 to 12cm.
Form: Flash is more upright. Hillii is slightly more spreading.
Maintenance: Both minimal once established. Trim two to three times a year for a formal hedge.
Soil: Both adaptable, well-drained, pH 6.0 to 7.5.
Ficus Hillii in detail
The original Ficus Hillii has been the go-to hedge in warm temperate to sub tropical Australia for decades. Smaller glossy oval leaves, dense growth, and a slightly spreading habit. Reliable, fast, and forgiving in sun or part shade.
Buyers choose Hillii when they want the classic look, when budget matters, or when they prefer a slightly softer overall foliage texture.
Flash in detail
Flash is the upgraded selection. Larger glossier leaves with a distinctive wavy margin give it a more architectural, lush appearance. The form is more strongly upright, which suits formal hedges and contemporary designs.
Buyers choose Flash when they want the modern look, a taller mature hedge, or a hedge that doubles as a feature element.
Which to choose for your hedge
Pick Flash if: You want a taller mature hedge (up to 9m), you like the larger glossy wavy foliage, your design brief leans modern or architectural, you want a slightly tighter upright form.
Pick Hillii if: You want a slightly smaller mature hedge (up to 6m), the classic Ficus look suits, you prefer a slightly softer texture, you want a more traditional planting.
Both are sun or part shade tolerant. Both establish fast. Both should be planted 80cm apart for a fast forming hedge. The vigorous root system that powers their dense growth sits comfortably with around 2m of clearance from pool plumbing and paving — a quick annual edge-prune keeps the line tidy.
Planting and care for both
Full sun to part shade. Well-drained soil. Plant 80cm apart for a fast forming hedge. Any season works with the right watering rhythm — summer planting is particularly strong because soils are warm and roots grow fastest, with morning and evening watering for the first two weeks. Water deeply through the first two summers, then let the hedge establish into a lower water routine.
Trim two to three times a year. Sharp shears, finish to a slight taper so the base of the hedge receives sunlight. Feed in spring with a balanced fertiliser.
Frequently asked questions
How should I plan placement around paving and pools?
The vigorous root system that powers the dense growth is easily managed with regular pruning. Around 2m from pool plumbing, paving and structures gives the roots ideal room to develop.
Which one is faster?
Both fast. Flash has a slight edge in upright height growth.
Will they grow in Melbourne?
Yes, in sheltered positions. They are happier in warm temperate to sub tropical climates.
How dense is the hedge?
Both form a solid green wall when trimmed regularly from a young age.
Final thoughts
Both are excellent hedge choices. Pick Flash for taller modern hedges with larger glossier foliage. Pick Hillii for traditional dense screens with a smaller leaf. Plant 80cm apart, allow 2m of clearance from pool plumbing for ideal root room, water deeply in the first summers, and you will have a dense green wall.
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