Escallonia: A Beautiful and Easy-to-Grow Evergreen Shrub
If you are looking for an easy-to-grow evergreen shrub that provides color and interest throughout the seasons, escallonia is a great choice. This hardy plant has glossy, green leaves and clusters of white, pink, or even red flowers that bloom from late spring to fall. In this article, you will learn all about the benefits of growing escallonias, how to care for them, and some popular varieties.
What is Escallonia?
Escallonia is a genus of evergreen shrubs and trees native to South America. They are known for their showy clusters of pink or white flowers and their tough, drought-tolerant foliage. There are over 40 species of escallonia, ranging in height from a few feet to over 20 feet tall.
Benefits of Growing Escallonia Shrubs
There are many benefits to growing escallonia shrubs, including:
– **Easy to grow**: Escallonias are hardy and easy to grow, making them a great choice for beginners or anyone looking for a low-maintenance plant.
– **Year-round interest**: Escallonia has attractive foliage all year round, and their colorful flowers add interest and beauty from spring to fall.
– **Drought tolerant**: Once established, escallonias are very drought tolerant and can survive with little water.
– **Attracts pollinators**: Escallonias are a great way to attract pollinators to your garden, such as bees and butterflies.
– **Can be used as a hedge or screen**: Escallonias can be easily pruned and grown into a hedge, making them a great choice for adding privacy to your garden.
How to Care for Escallonia Shrubs
– **Sun and Soil Requirements**: Escallonias prefer full sun or partial shade and well-draining soil. They can tolerate a wide range of soil types, but they do not like wet feet, so make sure the soil drains well.
– **Watering**: Water newly planted escallonias regularly, but once established, they are drought tolerant and only need watering during extended dry periods.
– **Fertilizing**: Fertilize escallonias with a balanced fertilizer once a year in the spring.
– **Pruning**: Escallonias can be pruned in late winter or early spring to shape them and remove any dead or damaged growth.
Popular Escallonia Varieties
There are many varieties of escallonia, and some popular ones are:
– **Escallonia ‘Pink Elle’**: This compact, rounded shrub blooms with bright pink flowers from summer to fall.
– **Escallonia ‘Iveyi’**: This large shrub or small tree has clusters of pure white flowers and reaches up to 20 feet tall.
– **Escallonia ‘Donard Seedling’**: This vigorous shrub has rose-pink flowers and can reach up to 10 feet tall.
– **Escallonia ‘Apple Blossom’**: This cultivar has pale pink, apple blossom-like flowers and is popular for its sweet fragrance.
FAQ
Q: Are escallonias deer resistant?
A: Yes, escallonias are relatively deer resistant because their foliage is tough and smells unpleasant to deer.
Q: Can escallonias be grown in containers?
A: Yes, some smaller varieties of escallonia can be grown in containers, but make sure to use a high-quality potting mix and water them regularly.
Conclusion
Escallonias are a beautiful and easy-to-grow evergreen shrub that adds color and interest to any garden. They are drought tolerant, deer resistant, and attract pollinators, making them a great choice for any gardener. With proper care, your escallonia will thrive for years to come.