Don’s Expert Answers: I am looking to plant along fence line but about a metre from a new pool. I love the look of ficus hilli but getting mixed information about their roots. Melbourne west facing backyard would magnolia teddy bear or little gem be better that ficus and if so which one.

Question From:
Kimberley Marshall in Elsternwick, Vic Victoria

Nature of problem:
I am looking to plant along fence line but about a metre from a new pool. I love the look of ficus hilli but getting mixed information about their roots. Melbourne west facing backyard would magnolia teddy bear or little gem be better that ficus and if so which one.

Type of Plant (if known):
None

Symptoms of Plant Illness (please try NOT to diagnose your problems yourself):
None

Soil Type (e.g. sandy, clay or loam) OR Potting Mix Type:
Sandy

How often do you water the plant:
Na

How many hours of sunlight does the plant get each day:
Na

How long since you planted it:
Na

Have you fertilised? If so, with what and when:
Na

Is the plant indoors or outdoors:
Na

Is the plant in a pot or in the ground:
I want to plant I. Ground

What other treatments have you given the plant:
Na

Upload photo if available:

Other Comments:
None

Answer:
Hi Kimberley. Do not, do not ever plant a Hills Weeping Fig in your backyard anywhere! This nasty tree will break pipes, foundations, footpaths and roads up to 50m or more away. Even a Magnolia ‘Teddy Bear’ or a ‘Little Gem’ is likely to cause trouble in such a confined space. Local knowledge is always best, so look around your nearby streets to see what other people are growing for this purpose. Then pop in and ask them for the name of the plant, or take a flower & a small branch to a good nursery like the Greenery, 4 Banksia St Heidelberg. They can also advise you of the best plants to choose. Don