A good hedge changes everything. It softens boundaries, adds privacy gracefully, and gives gardens a mature feel. In New Zealand, Ficus tuffi is a popular evergreen choice. It grows fast. It stays dense. Once you understand its growth habits, it becomes surprisingly cooperative and easy to manage.
Many gardeners first notice Ficus tuffi at The Plant Company, where it is frequently recommended for hedging due to its quick growth and excellent response to trimming. You will see it described as ideal for formal hedges, pleached screens, and privacy planting, and that is not marketing fluff.
Choosing the Right Spot
Before you even think about spacing, think about position.
Ficus tuffi loves:
- Full sun
- Well-drained soil
- A spot where air can move around the plants
- Protection from harsh, salty coastal winds when young
It will tolerate a little shade, but growth slows, and the hedge will not be as dense. If you want that thick, lush green wall, sunlight is your best friend here.
Getting the Spacing Right (This Part Matters)
Spacing is where many hedges go wrong. Too far apart and you stare at gaps for years. Too close and they compete awkwardly.
A practical NZ guideline is:
- 40 to 50 cm apart for a tight, formal hedge
- 60 cm apart for a slightly more relaxed screen
- Around 1.2 to 1.3 m between standards for pleached hedging
Planting closer together encourages the plants to grow upward quickly as they compete for light, which actually helps the hedge fill in faster. It feels counterintuitive, but it works.
Planting Tips for a Strong Start
Once you have marked your spacing, give the plants the best possible beginning.
- Dig holes two times as wide as the root ball
- Improve the soil with compost if it is heavy clay
- Water thoroughly after planting
- Add mulch around the base to maintain roots moist and cool
Young plants need steady watering; neglect quietly ruins hedge establishment.
The Secret to a Dense Hedge: Regular Trimming
This is where Ficus tuffi really shines. It loves being trimmed.
Instead of one big haircut each year, aim for:
- Light, regular trims during the growing season
- Shaping the sides slightly narrower at the top than the bottom
- Encouraging side shoots to thicken the hedge
The more you trim, the bushier it becomes. It is oddly satisfying to watch.
What to Expect in the First Year
Don’t panic if things look uneven early on.
You might notice:
This is normal. By the second growing season, the hedge starts behaving like a single unit rather than individual plants.
The Payoff
- A thick evergreen privacy screen
- Clean, formal lines
- Fast establishment compared to many other hedging plants
- A hedge that looks good all year without constant fuss
It is not completely “plant and forget.” But it is close. And once it settles in, you will wonder why you did not plant it sooner.
