Growing an Escallonia Plant

For screening purposes or for use as a climber the evergreen Escallonia is an ideal choice. But this versatile shrub is not confined to those two purposes. It can also be grown as a bushy shrub, a container specimen and even has a place in the rockery or rock garden.

The Escallonia shrub is generally sold as a hardy shrub but this is a relative term and it strictly depends on the severity of the winter in any particular area and the common sense of the gardener. Very severe winters are not good for Escallonia.

Fast Growing Shrub

Escallonia is a fast growing shrub and will reach 8ft. in a short time but the true beauty of this evergreen shrub is that it can be pruned and shaped to the individual wishes of the gardener. However, its enduring green glossy leaves and vibrant colors make it invaluable in separating neighbors and covering unsightly sights such as compost heaps, oil tanks and garden sheds.

Coastal Favorite Escallonia

There is a vast array of Escallonia shrubs available and one particular favorite for coastal areas in Escallonia Apple Blossom. This shrub is very wind tolerant, robust and colorful. It blooms from early summer and during the flowering period it is covered in pink blossoms as delicate as an apple tree in springtime. It thrives on and requires full sun for its profusion of flowers. Given the right conditions and when planted in rich soil it will happily grow 7ft tall and will spread the same distance by its third year.

Hedging Escallonia

For hedging an upright Escallonia shrub should be chosen, such as Crimson Spire. It will grow 8ft and its evergreen leaves are densely packed giving perfect cover. It will bloom from May to October and will tolerate wind and coastal exposure. It is also tolerant of lime soil. Another good choice for hedging is Escallonia Iveyi. It will grow to be a medium sized shrub and is found in cottage gardens in Ireland growing in an informal way.

Rockery Escallonia

Escallonia Donard Radiance is a good choice for a rockery shrub. It looks particularly well if planted in a natural rocky setting. As with all Escallonia this shrub can grow quite tall and in a confined space it will require pruning on a regular basis, especially after flowering. From June to October it is covered in pink flowers.

Colors of Escallonia

Escallonia blossoms cover a wide range of colors from deep crimson through various shades of pink to white. This amazing range of colors is all the more pronounced by the backdrop of the glossy evergreen leaves.

Increasing Escallonia Stock

Escallonia is easily propagated and the easiest method is by taking softwood cuttings in late summer. Take the cutting about 4″ long, dip it in rooting powder and place it in good compost. Leave only a little foliage on the cutting and water very sparingly, even a slight misting twice a day is sufficient. After a few weeks check by gently tugging on the cutting and if the roots have formed some resistance will be felt. At this time it is safe to plant the cutting into a larger pot for growing on.

Uses of Escallonia

Escallonia can be used in any garden practically anywhere and will grow with the minimum of bother to the extent that the only bother associated with this vigorous shrub is keeping it in check. This delightful evergreen shrub is as rewarding to the professional garden and landscaper as it is to the novice and newcomer.