Ficus Macrophylla - Moreton Bay Fig - Evergreen Trees Direct

Ficus Macrophylla - Evergreen Trees Direct

Ficus Macrophylla - Moreton Bay Fig

Name: Ficus Macrophylla - Moreton Bay Fig
Brand: Evergreen Trees Direct
Price: 620.00 AUD
Availability: InStock

$620.00

Tax included. Shipping calculated at checkout.

9989 in stock

Size: 100L

100L 40cm/45L

Current Stock Height Guides

40cm/45L: 0.7m – 1.6m Approx.
100L: 1.6m – 2.1m Approx.

Trade Customers

We supply advanced trees to landscapers, developers, architects, and councils Australia-wide. Trade clients receive fast quotes, expert advice, and access to premium stock with reliable freight.

About Ficus Macrophylla - Moreton Bay Fig

Ficus macrophylla, known as the Moreton Bay Fig, is a majestic evergreen tree celebrated for its vast, spreading canopy and impressive buttressed roots. Growing up to 40–60 meters tall in its natural habitat, this monumental tree features large, glossy, leathery leaves and a dense canopy that provides ample shade, making it a standout feature in large landscapes, parks, and botanical gardens.

With a wide-reaching canopy often as broad as its height, it requires generous space—ideally planted 15–20 meters away from structures—to thrive and showcase its grandeur. Moreton Bay Fig adapts well to a range of soils, prefers full sun but tolerates partial shade, and is drought-tolerant once mature. It supports diverse wildlife, attracting birds and offering habitat throughout the year.

This iconic tree looks excellent in expansive settings where its dramatic form and lush foliage can truly shine, offering timeless beauty and a strong sense of place to any outdoor space.

Key Information to Know

Evergreen / Deciduous

Ficus Macrophylla - Moreton Bay Fig is an Evergreen (foliage year round) Tree

Mature Height & Width

Mature Height: 30m - 60m Approximately

Mature Width: 20 – 30+ meters

Ficus Macrophylla - Moreton Bay Fig is expected to grow 60 – 100 cm per year (fast in ideal conditions).

Frost Tolerance

Is Ficus Macrophylla - Moreton Bay Fig frost tolerant?

Ficus Macrophylla - Moreton Bay Fig is Frost Sensitive – May suffer damage from frost, best in frost-free or protected spots.

Flowering Information

Ficus macrophylla does not produce visible ornamental flowers; instead, its tiny internal blooms form inside the developing figs. These enclosed floral structures later mature into small, round fruit, offering subtle seasonal interest through the tree’s fruiting cycle rather than a traditional floral display.

Native Information

Is Ficus Macrophylla - Moreton Bay Fig an Australian Native? Yes

Ficus Macrophylla - Moreton Bay Fig is Native to Eastern Australia, from the New South Wales Illawarra region north into Queensland, where it grows naturally in subtropical and dry rainforests.

Wildlife Value

Its abundant figs attract fruit-eating birds, flying foxes and other native wildlife, while the extensive buttress roots and large canopy provide shelter, roosting and nesting habitat for small birds and ground-dwelling fauna. The tree’s figs also support specialised fig wasps, making it an important keystone species in many ecosystems.

Sunlight Information

Ficus Macrophylla - Moreton Bay Fig will thrive best in:

Full Sun
Part Shade

Preffered Soil

Ficus macrophylla performs best in deep, well-drained loam or sandy loam soils and tolerates slightly acidic to slightly alkaline conditions. It may struggle in heavy clay or compacted ground unless improved with organic matter to increase structure and aeration. Keep soil evenly moist during establishment, then transition to deep, occasional watering as it matures to support its vigorous growth, extensive root development and high drought resilience.

Botanical Information

Common Name: Moreton Bay Fig

Genus: Ficus

Botanical Species: Ficus

Family: Moraceae

Botanical Name: Ficus macrophylla

Landscape Uses

Avenue Planting
Shade Tree
Feature Tree
Rural Property Planting
Council or Civic Landscapes

Ficus Macrophylla - Moreton Bay Fig works in an:

Australian Native Garden – celebrates local plants with natural character.
Heritage / Traditional Garden – timeless, classic plantings for period homes.
Woodland Garden – layered, naturalistic design under dappled light.

Planting, Spacing & Care

Planting Your Moreton Bay Fig:

Select the Right Site: Choose a location that can accommodate its massive size at maturity—away from structures and pavements.
Prepare the Soil: Ensure well-drained soil; amend with organic matter if planting in a less than ideal location.
Planting: Dig a hole twice as wide as the root ball and the same depth. Place the tree in the hole and backfill with soil.
Water Thoroughly: Water the tree after planting to settle the soil and eliminate air pockets.

Feature Planting: Space 15 – 20 m from structures to allow expansive root and canopy growth

Hedging & Screening: Not suitable

Avenue Planting: Space 20 m apart for dramatic effect in large parks or public landscapes

Caring for Your Moreton Bay Fig:

Watering: Regular watering is crucial during its formative years. Once established, the tree is drought-tolerant but will thrive with occasional deep watering.
Pruning: Minimal pruning is required. Any major pruning should be done by professionals due to the tree's size.
Fertilizing: Feed with a general-purpose fertilizer in the spring, particularly when young to promote growth.
Monitoring: Keep an eye out for pests like fig wasps and diseases such as leaf rust. Treat as necessary with appropriate methods.

Enhancing Soil for Majestic Shade Trees and Optimal Growth

Ideal Drainage:
Requires well-drained, loamy soil enriched with organic matter to thrive, supporting its grand stature and extensive root system.

Well-Draining Soil:
Essential to support large size and extensive roots, ensuring water and nutrients are adequately available without the risk of root diseases.

Sandy Soils:

Ficus macrophylla performs well in sandy soils due to their excellent drainage.
Enrich with organic materials like compost or well-rotted manure to increase nutrient availability and moisture retention.
Consider adding slow-release fertilizer to provide a steady supply of nutrients.
Mulching helps retain moisture and suppress weed growth.

Clay Soils:

Clay soils are nutrient-rich but have poor drainage and can become waterlogged.
Amend with organic matter such as compost to improve soil structure and enhance drainage.
Add coarse sand or perlite to increase soil porosity and aeration.
Create raised beds or plant in elevated areas to ensure adequate drainage.

Loamy Soils:

Loamy soils are ideal due to their balanced structure of drainage and nutrient retention.
Regularly enrich the soil with organic matter to sustain fertility and structure.
Periodic mulching helps conserve moisture, provides nutrients as it decomposes, and protects roots from temperature extremes.
Monitor moisture levels to ensure the soil remains moist but not waterlogged.

Acidic or Alkaline Soils:

Adapts to a range of soil pH but prefers slightly acidic to neutral.
Use lime to raise pH in overly acidic soils, making them more neutral for better nutrient absorption.
Apply sulfur or aluminum sulfate to reduce pH in highly alkaline soils, improving availability of essential nutrients like iron and manganese.

Ficus Macrophylla - Moreton Bay Fig is expected to grow 60 – 100 cm per year (fast in ideal conditions).

Fast Growth Rate

Root Ball Dimensions (Width × Depth) For Planting

Use this as a reference when digging your planting hole. We recommend digging at least 10% wider than the dimensions below to encourage strong root development.

30cm Pot: 33cm (W) × 30cm (D)
40cm/45L Pot: 44cm (W) × 41.5cm (D)
50cm Pot / 70L Pot: 55cm (W) × 41.8cm (D)
100L Bag: 50.6cm (W) × 52.8cm (D)
150L Bag: 66cm (W) × 55cm (D)
200L Bag: 71.5cm (W) × 60.5cm (D)
300L Bag: 88cm (W) × 63.8cm (D)
400L Bag: 99cm (W) × 66cm (D)
500L Bag: 122cm (W) × 66cm (D)
750L Bag: 134cm (W) × 69cm (D)
1000L Bag: 146.3cm (W) × 71.5cm (D)
2000L Bag: 176cm (W) × 82.5cm (D)

Ideal Conditions

Tropical QLD (Cairns, Townsville)
Subtropical QLD (Brisbane, Gold Coast, Sunshine Coast)
Northern NSW (Byron, Coffs, Armidale)
Sydney & Central Coast
South Coast NSW (Illawarra to Bega)
Inland NSW / Tablelands (Orange, Bathurst, Canberra)
Melbourne & Surrounds (Metro, Bayside, Geelong, Bellarine, Mornington)
Western District & Central VIC (Ballarat, Bendigo, Hamilton)
Gippsland (Latrobe Valley, East Gippsland)
Adelaide Metro & Coastal

Thrives in

Full Sun
Part Shade

Frost Tolerance

Frost Sensitive – May suffer damage from frost, best in frost-free or protected spots.

Drought Tolerance

As a young tree it requires regular watering, but once established Ficus macrophylla develops excellent drought tolerance. It thrives in hot, dry, coastal and urban environments and maintains its massive, spreading evergreen canopy with minimal supplementary watering.

Flowering Information

Does Ficus Macrophylla - Moreton Bay Fig flower?

Yes - Flowers

Flowering Period:

Not Applicable

Flower Type:

Not Applicable

Flower Colour:

Not Applicable

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How large can a Moreton Bay Fig grow?
A: Moreton Bay Figs can reach heights of 40-60 meters with a canopy spread that can exceed the height of the tree, though in garden settings they often remain smaller.

Q: Is the Moreton Bay Fig suitable for small gardens?
A: Due to its large size and root system, it's better suited for large gardens, parks, and open landscapes.

Q: How fast does the Moreton Bay Fig grow?
A: It has a moderate growth rate, but it can be faster in optimal conditions with ample space and water.

Q: How often should I water my Moreton Bay Fig?
A: Young trees need regular watering. Once established, they are relatively drought-tolerant but will benefit from occasional deep watering in dry periods.

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