Escallonia
Escallonia laevis

Family: Escalloniaceae

What it is like

Escallonia laevis is an evergreen Shrub growing to 2 m (6ft 7in) at a fast rate. See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 8. It is in leaf all year, in flower from July to August. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs). Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers dry or moist soil. The plant can tolerate maritime exposure.

Height (m): 2

Where it is found

Ravines in the Organ mountains.

S. America - Brazil.

Conservation Status:

Countries/locations it is found in

How it is used

Food

Rating: 0

Medicine

Rating: 0

Other

Rating:

Very tolerant of extreme maritime exposure, making a very good windbreak hedge. Tolerant of regular and severe pruning, it can regenerate from the base if cut back by frost.

Hedge: Plants that can be grown as hedges.

Hedge: Hedge

How it is grown

Prefers an open sunny position and a soil that is not too rich, an ordinary sandy loam will suffice. Succeeds in dry soils. Tolerates lime. Only hardy in the milder areas of Britain, tolerating temperatures down to about -10°c. Plants resent root disturbance and should be placed in their final positions as soon as possible. A very erect shrub.

Propagating it: Seed - we have no details on this plant but suggest sowing the seed in early spring in a cold frame. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and grow them on in the greenhouse for at least their first winter. Plant them out into their permanent positions in late spring or early summer, after the last expected frosts. Cuttings of half-ripe wood, July/August in a frame. Either put the cuttings in individual pots or pot them up as soon as they start to root. Easy. Cuttings of mature wood in winter. Very easy, just plant the cuttings direct into their final positions, about 95% usually take. Keep them moist in a dry spring.

Best place to grow: Hedge;

Habit: Shrub

Hardiness: 7-10

Growth: Fast

Soil: Light (sandy), medium, heavy (clay)

Shade: No shade

Moisture: Dry, moist

Things to keep in mind

Its other names

Local names

Synonyms

E. organensis. Vigiera laevis.