Escallonia
Escallonia species
Family: Escalloniaceae
What it is like
Escallonia species is an evergreen Shrub at a fast rate. See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 8. It is in leaf all year. 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): 0
Where it is found
A group of garden cultivars of uncertain parentage.
S. America.
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.
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. Plants are very tolerant of maritime exposure. 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.
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. Since it is a cultivar it will not breed true. 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:
Habit: Shrub
Hardiness: 7-10
Growth: Fast
Soil: Light (sandy), medium, heavy (clay)
Shade: No shade
Moisture: Dry, moist