Indian Laurel Column

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SEE HOW YOUR TREE ARRIVES
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1 gallon, 6"
3 gallon, 8 to 10"
5 gallon, 10 to 12"
7 gallon, 14"
10 gallon, 15 to 17"
15 gallon, 17"
"Jumbo", 7 or 10 or 15 gallon

*Nursery gallon sizes are trade sizes and do not equal standard liquid gallons

**Pot sizes in inches refer to container width (diameter), not plant or pot height.


Please Note: Sizing can differ between plant varieties and growers. Please chat with us if you need clarification.

For more information on sizing, please see our guide.

The Indian Laurel Column Shrub, is a fast-growing evergreen known for its dense canopy, glossy green leaves, and naturally upright growth habit. A favorite for creating tall, seamless privacy screens in upscale landscapes, this versatile shrub delivers year-round greenery and structure. Its adaptability, polished appearance, and ability to be shaped into clean lines make it a go-to choice for both residential and commercial landscapes in warm climates.

  • Botanical name: Ficus microcarpa ‘Nitida’
  • Evergreen
  • Grown in the USA

SUNLIGHT:
Prefers full sun to partial shade

WATER:
Water deeply 1–2 times per week during establishment. Once established, water every 1–2 weeks depending on heat and soil conditions.

IDEAL CLIMATE:
Thrives in warm, frost-free climates and performs best outdoors in USDA Zones 9–10. It is commonly used in Southern and coastal regions where temperatures remain mild year-round.
Note: This plant is only drought tolerant once established.

Note: The Indian Laurel Column Shrub has an aggressive root system that can spread beyond the canopy, so it should be planted away from foundations, sidewalks, plumbing, and driveways. Regular pruning is recommended to maintain size and shape, especially when used as a hedge or screen.

PLANT DESCRIPTION & MATURE SIZE

Indian Laurel Column Shrub, scientifically known as Ficus microcarpa ‘Nitida’, is a versatile evergreen shrub prized for its dense foliage, upright growth habit, and ability to create lush privacy screens. This fast-growing landscape favorite features glossy green leaves and a naturally columnar form, making it ideal for hedges, windbreaks, and modern garden designs. Thriving in warm climates, the Indian Laurel shrub is highly adaptable and low-maintenance once established, offering year-round greenery and structure to outdoor spaces.

GROWTH RATE & MATURE SIZE:

Fast growth rate. Typically grows 2–4 feet per year and reaches 20–40 feet tall and 10–20 feet wide at maturity, though it can be maintained at a smaller size with regular pruning.

WATERING & SUNLIGHT

Water regularly during the first growing season to establish a deep root system, typically 1–2 times per week. Once established, the Indian Laurel shrub is moderately drought-tolerant and should be watered deeply every 1–2 weeks, depending on climate and soil conditions. Watering needs may vary depending on soil type, rainfall, and local climate conditions.

The Indian Laurel Column Shrub grows best in full sun, which promotes dense foliage and strong vertical growth. It can tolerate partial shade, but too little sunlight may result in a thinner, less compact hedge.

PLANT CARE & PLANTING INSTRUCTIONS

PRUNING:
Prune regularly to maintain the desired height and shape, especially when used as a privacy hedge or screen. Pruning style and spacing have a large impact on how the plant looks once established - frequent trimming and tighter planting create a dense, uniform hedge, while less pruning and wider spacing allow for a more natural, tree-like form.

FERTILIZING:
Feed with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring and again in mid-summer to support healthy growth and vibrant green foliage. In nutrient-poor soils, additional feeding may enhance density and overall plant vigor. Avoid fertilizing for the first 2–3 months after delivery to allow the plant to adjust and establish.

WINTER PROTECTION:
In cooler parts of its growing range, protect the plant from frost by covering it during cold snaps or planting in a sheltered location. Mulching around the base helps insulate roots and retain soil warmth during temperature fluctuations.

PLANTING INSTRUCTIONS:

Plant the Indian Laurel Column Shrub in well-draining soil in a location that receives full sun to partial shade. Dig a hole twice as wide as the root ball and just as deep, ensuring the top of the root ball sits level with the surrounding soil. Backfill with native soil, gently firming it in place, and water thoroughly to eliminate air pockets. Space plants appropriately (typically 3–6 feet apart) when creating a hedge to allow for proper airflow and growth. Apply a layer of mulch around the base to retain moisture and regulate soil temperature, keeping it a few inches away from the trunk to prevent rot.

USDA GROW ZONE:

Zones 9-10

The Indian Laurel Column Shrub thrives in USDA Zones 9–10, where temperatures remain warm year-round and frost is minimal. This tropical evergreen performs best in regions with mild winters and hot summers, such as coastal and southern climates. While it can tolerate brief drops in temperature, prolonged frost or freezing conditions may damage foliage and stunt growth. In ideal zones, it grows vigorously and maintains its lush, green appearance throughout the year, making it a popular choice for privacy hedges and screening.

Frequently Asked Questions

The Indian Laurel Column Shrub can reach 20–40 feet tall and 10–20 feet wide at maturity if left untrimmed. However, it is commonly maintained at a smaller height (8–15 feet) when used as a hedge or privacy screen.

This is a fast-growing shrub that typically grows 2–4 feet per year under ideal conditions, making it an excellent choice for quickly establishing a dense privacy hedge.

Plant in a location with full sun to partial shade and well-draining soil. It performs best in warm, frost-free climates and should be placed away from structures due to its aggressive root system.

For a dense privacy hedge, plant 3–5 feet apart. For a looser screen or larger, more natural growth, space them 6–10 feet apart.

Yes! It's one of the most popular choices for privacy hedges. Its dense foliage and fast growth make it ideal for creating a tall, seamless “living wall” that blocks views, wind, and noise.

Prune several times per year to maintain shape and density, especially if you want a clean, formal hedge. It responds very well to regular trimming.

It can be grown in large containers when young, but due to its rapid growth and size, it is best suited for planting in the ground long-term.

This shrub has a vigorous and spreading root system. It should be planted at least 10–15 feet away from foundations, sidewalks, driveways, and plumbing to avoid potential damage.

Indian Laurel Column Shrubs naturally grow in a tight, upright form, which makes them easier to maintain than wider hedge plants. Light pruning once or twice per year is usually enough to keep them neat and encourage dense growth. Because of their vertical habit, they work especially well in narrow planting areas along fences, property lines, or side yards where space is limited.

Indian Laurel Column Shrubs typically begin filling in within one growing season once established. With proper sunlight, regular watering, and occasional pruning, the branches thicken and grow together to create a dense, uniform screen. Many homeowners choose this shrub specifically because it establishes a privacy hedge faster than many traditional hedge plants.

More Details

We process and ship your order as quickly as possible, typically within 1-3 business days. You will receive a shipping confirmation with tracking information once your item(s) ship.

We have perfected packaging and shipping plants & trees! That is why we DO NOT use any third-party fulfillment like most other online retailers. Your trees go straight from our farm to your door, safely packaged by our team of seasoned professionals. Our process ensures your plants leave our facility and arrive to your door in the best condition possible!

In cases of extreme cold or hot weather, we may temporarily delay shipping to ensure the well-being of your plants. Our primary focus is on delivering healthy and thriving plants to you. Rest assured, we'll make every effort to notify you of any delays promptly.

Please allow additional ship times during inclement weather and sale periods. We do not process or ship orders on the weekend or U.S. Holidays. Simply Trees is not responsible for delays due to carriers, local disruptions, or weather.

See how we pack your plants!

Learn more about our Shipping Policy

At Simply Trees, we're committed to your satisfaction. If your plants arrive considerably damaged or sustained damage beyond the point of recovery, please contact us within five days at sales@simplytrees.com with clear photos of the entire plant in question for assistance. Our 1 year guarantee covers issues after planting, subject to our terms. We can't cover plants in the wrong climate or with inadequate care, but we're here to help in other situations. For a detailed understanding of our 1 year guarantee and how we ensure a fair process, click here to learn more.

All California orders require a mandatory inspection by the Texas Department of Agriculture (yep, it’s a USDA thing!). These inspections happen about once a week—typically on Tuesdays, though the day can vary. If you place an order just after an inspection, your plant may not ship for several days until the next one. Unfortunately, we’re not able to expedite this part of the process.

Also, due to USDA regulations, we’re unable to ship oak trees, citrus or fruit trees (except olive trees) to California. This rule helps prevent the spread of pests and diseases and applies to nurseries across the country.

Thanks for your patience—we’ll make sure it’s worth the wait.

What's inside?

Your order from Simply Trees is more than just a box of plants—it’s a carefully curated experience. Here’s what’s inside:

  • We hand-select our plants for premium-quality from top growers nationwide
  • Each plant is then cleaned, prepped, and pruned to remove any blemishes and encourage new growth
  • Expertly treated and inspected for preventative measure
  • The pot is wrapped in a durable plastic bag and secured with a zip tie; house plants get extra protection with a recyclable nursery bag. Some Jumbo plants may be carefully removed from their nursery pot and burlapped to protect the rootball and ensure safe transit.
  • Your plant is strapped into our durable double-pane boxes, secured in place with a heavy-duty zip tie to ensure safe transit
  • A thank you card with a QR code leads to our guide on welcoming your new plants home

We take pride in making sure every detail is just right, so you can enjoy your new greenery from the moment it arrives.

SUSTAINABLE SHIPPING, QUALITY CARE

We've perfected the art of packaging and shipping plants and trees! Unlike most online retailers, we handle everything in-house—no third-party fulfillment. Our experienced team carefully packages your plants to ensure they arrive from our farm to your door in perfect condition.