escallonia macrantha

Name: The Plant Company
Address: 284 Meeanee Road, Meeanee, Napier, 4112, New Zealand
Telephone: 0800 843 752
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Discover the enduring charm and versatility of Escallonia macrantha, also known as Escallonia rubra. Native to South America but perfectly suited to New Zealand gardens, this hardy evergreen shrub boasts vibrant red-pink tubular flowers and glossy green foliage, making it a striking feature in any landscape. Escallonia macrantha is renowned for its resilience against coastal winds and salt spray, thriving in a range of conditions from sunny borders to privacy screens. Its reliability and beauty ensure that escallonia macrantha remains a favourite for gardeners who value low-maintenance, all-season appeal.

Escallonia rubra

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Escallonia rubra is renowned for its vibrant colours and unique appearance. Small and glossy, green foliage serves as a stunning backdrop to the masses of pink, dark pink, and sometimes red flowers during spring and summer. It is an easily grown shrub with a bushy habit, typically reaching 2.5 m in height and width.

Escallonia rubra

Suited to regions:
Subtropical, Temperate
Plant type:
Shrubs
Height:
2.50 m
Spread:
2.50 m
Flowering time:
Spring, Summer
Tolerances:
Coastal, Hardy
Garden uses:
Hedging, Living areas, Pool areas, Screening
Garden styles:
Backyard, City & Courtyard, Coastal, Formal, Frontyard, Japanese, Modern

More species and varieties of Escallonia

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Botanical Profile

Escallonia macrantha is a vigorous, upright shrub that typically grows 2-3 metres high and wide. Its bold, leathery leaves provide year-round structure, while clusters of crimson flowers bloom prolifically from late spring through autumn. Escallonia rubra is adaptable, tolerating both full sun and partial shade, as well as clay, loam, and sandy soils. The flowers are not only beautiful but also attract pollinators, adding life to your garden and supporting biodiversity.

Ideal Uses in the Garden

Escallonia macrantha is a popular choice for hedging or screening, thanks to its dense foliage and ability to withstand shaping. Its tolerance for coastal conditions and wind also makes it a practical option for exposed gardens. Use it as a backdrop for herbaceous borders or pair it with other flowering shrubs to create a colourful, layered look. For gardeners seeking alternatives or companions, consider Escallonia 'Red Elf' for its compact growth and vivid flowers, or Escallonia 'White Knight' for striking white blooms.

Growing & Care Tips

Plant Escallonia macrantha in well-draining soil and water regularly during its first year to establish roots. Once settled, it is drought-tolerant and low-maintenance. Prune lightly after flowering to maintain shape and encourage bushier growth. Escallonia macrantha resists most pests and diseases, making it a reliable performer in both urban and rural gardens.

If you’re interested in diversifying your shrub selection, explore options like Escallonia 'Snowbud' for snowy-white flowers, Escallonia 'Gold Brian' for golden foliage, or Escallonia 'Apple Blossom' for delicate pink blooms.

Companion Planting & Alternatives

Enhance your garden palette by combining Escallonia macrantha with other structural and flowering shrubs. For unique foliage contrast, try Corokia Tutti Frutti or the glossy leaves of Coprosma Scarlett O'Hara (Mirror Bush). For extended flowering, consider Prostanthera cuneata, Fuchsia 'Baby van Eijk', or Spiraea japonica.

Why Choose Escallonia macrantha?

Whether you need a robust coastal hedge or an attractive flowering feature, escallonia macrantha delivers reliable performance and aesthetic appeal. Its adaptability makes it ideal for gardens across New Zealand, providing year-round colour and structure with minimal effort. Choose Escallonia macrantha for a landscape that’s both practical and beautiful.

Contact us

Whether you need assistance finding the plant you’re looking for or you simply want to know more about who we are and what we do, we invite you to get in touch with us today. A member of The Plant Company team will get back in touch as soon as possible.