Escallonia Plant And Hedge Guides For NZ

Who Produces and Sells The Best Escallonia Plants In NZ?

The Plant Company! We produce thousands of Escallonia plants at our Hawkes Bay nursery of the many varieties. We nurture and protect the baby plants until they are ready for their new home, and this is why we have become NZ’s number one supplier of Escallonia plants. Strict quality standards mean that only the best plants will ever be dispatched. Each plant is packed with extreme care, ensuring it arrives to you in the same condition it was in at its nursery. Our impressive google ranking is testament to how well we perform so you can shop with confidence from the best in the industry.

Does Escallonia Grow Quickly?

Escallonia are considered a moderate to fast-growing shrub. They can grow up to 75 cm in a single growing season. However, the exact growth rate will depend on the variety of escallonia, the climate, and the quality of the soil. They thrive in full sun and with a well-drained soil. They are also relatively tolerant of salt spray and wind, making them a good choice for coastal gardens. Here are some tips for encouraging your Escallonia to grow quickly:

• Water your plant regularly, especially during the first year after planting.
• Feed plants in spring with a fertiliser suitable for Escallonias.
• Mulch around plants to help retain moisture and suppress weeds.

With proper care, your Escallonia plant should grow quickly and provide you with years of enjoyment.

Which is the best Escallonia?

The best Escallonia for you will depend on your specific needs and preferences. However, some of the most popular and highly rated Escallonia varieties include:

• Escallonia 'Apple Blossom' is a versatile variety that can be grown as a hedge, shrub, or specimen plant. It produces clusters of pale pink flowers in summer.
• Escallonia 'Snowbud' can be grown as a hedge, shrub, or specimen plant. It produces clusters of white flowers in summer.
• Escallonia rubra macrantha is a popular variety that produces clusters of red flowers in summer. It is a good choice for hedging or for growing as a specimen plant.

What Is An Alternative To Escallonia?

Some alternatives to Escallonia include:

• Abelia grandiflora is a fast-growing, evergreen shrub that produces clusters of white or pink flowers in the summer. It is a good choice for hedging or for growing as a specimen.
• Buxus sempervirens (Boxwood) is a slow-growing, evergreen shrub that is often used for hedging and topiary. It is a good choice for a formal garden.
• Ilex crenata (Japanese Holly) is a slow-growing, evergreen shrub that is often used for hedging and topiary. It produces small, black berries in autumn.
• Osmanthus burkwoodii is a slow-growing, evergreen shrub that produces clusters of fragrant white flowers in the spring. It is a good choice for a small garden or for growing in a pot.
• Viburnum tinus is a fast-growing, evergreen shrub that produces clusters of white or pink flowers in the winter. It is a good choice for hedging or for growing as a specimen plant.

What Is The Common Name For Escallonia?

The most common name for Escallonia is redclaws. This name is derived from the red, claw-shaped hypanthia of the flowers.

Which Is The Hardiest Escallonia?

The hardiest Escallonia variety is Escallonia rubra macrantha. It is hardy to USDA Zone 5, meaning it can tolerate temperatures as low as -20 degrees Celsius.

Do Escallonia Have Deep Roots?

Escallonias have shallow roots. Their roots typically grow to a depth of only 30-40 cm. This shallow root system makes them susceptible to drought and wind damage.

Where Is Escallonia Native To?

Escallonia is a genus of about 50 species of evergreen shrubs and small trees native to South America, particularly the Andes Mountains. They are widely cultivated as ornamental plants in temperate regions around the world, valued for their attractive foliage and showy flowers.

How Long Does Escallonia Live For?

The lifespan of an Escallonia depends on the species, growing conditions, and care it receives. On average, Escallonias typically live between 20 and 50 years with proper care. Some species, like the dwarf cultivar, Escallonia 'Red Elf', can take 10-20 years to reach maturity but then live for another 20-30 years. Other escallonias can grow larger and live for up to 50 years or even longer.

Factors like inadequate sunlight, poor drainage, lack of nutrients, and harsh winters can shorten the lifespan of an escallonia. Conversely, good care, regular watering, pruning, and feeding, can help extend the life of Escallonias.

Pruning An Overgrown Escallonia

Yes, Escallonia can be cut back hard in certain situations, although it's important to do it strategically to avoid damaging the plant.

When to consider hard pruning:

• If your escallonia has become too large or bushy, a hard pruning can help rejuvenate it and improve its shape and flowering.
• If your escallonia has been affected by disease or suffered significant branch damage, it may be necessary to remove affected parts and promote new growth.
• If you want to completely change the shape of your escallonia, such as creating a hedge, a hard prune can be an effective tool.

Tips for hard pruning escallonia:

• The ideal time for hard pruning is late winter or early spring before the plant starts putting on new growth.
• You can cut back escallonia branches by up to two-thirds of their original length. However, it's best to avoid cutting into older, woody stems. Focus on removing thinner branches and younger shoots.
• Recovery time: It may take several months for your escallonia to fully recover from a hard pruning. Be patient and avoid further pruning during this time.

By following these guidelines, you can safely and effectively cut back your Escallonia to achieve your desired results. Remember, it's always better to err on the side of caution and prune less than you think you need. You can always prune more later if necessary.

What Are The Benefits Of Growing Escallonia?

Escallonia are beautiful and versatile shrubs that offer a variety of benefits to gardeners. Here are some of the key reasons to consider adding escallonia to your landscape:

• Escallonia are known for their long flowering season, typically blooming from late spring to early autumn. The flowers come in a variety of colors, including red, pink, white, and purple, and they attract bees, butterflies, and other pollinators.
• Escallonia provides year-round interest with its glossy, evergreen leaves. This makes it a valuable addition to borders, hedges, and foundation plantings.
• They are a relatively low-maintenance plant that is tolerant of a variety of soil conditions. It is also reasonably drought-tolerant once established.
• Escallonia are fast-growing shrubs that can quickly reach its mature size. This makes it a good option where you want to fill in spaces quickly.
• Escallonia are tolerant of moderate wind and coastal environments, making it a good choice for coastal gardens.
• Escallonia can be pruned into a variety of shapes and sizes, making it a versatile plant that can be used in a variety of garden designs.

Overall, Escallonia are beautiful and easy-to-care-for shrubs that offers a variety of benefits to gardeners. If you are looking for a low-maintenance plant that will provide year-round interest and long-lasting blooms, Escallonia is a great option.

Growing and Pruning An Escallonia Hedge In NZ

Growing an Escallonia hedge takes some thought and planning to ensure you get what you are after. Factors such as the hedge spacing, desired height, and variety are all important considerations. The Plant Company have produced this series of articles to provide advice for trimming an Escallonia hedge so you can manicure your plants with confidence and success.

When Is The Best Time To Trim Escallonias?

Escallonias can be trimmed at any time of the year, though winter is the time recommended by The Plant Company. It is the new growth that makes the plants look amazing, so cutting out the older growth to make way for the new growth in spring is the goal. All you need is a good pair of secateurs and you can be as aggressive as you want as long as at least one-third of the plant remains with foliage. The plants will sprout new buds from stumps as long as they are not diseased.

When Escallonias are grown in pots they are often clipped every 2-3 months. This keeps them dense and helps make them shapelier.

How To Trim An Escallonia

Escallonias are trimmed each winter to contain growth and encourage fresh, new growth. The Plant Company recommends they are lightly trimmed each year to the size you are after and allowing for 50 cm of extension growth. Any dead stems should also be removed at this time, along with stems that show disease.

A mistake often made is to not prune the plants hard enough. This error generally results in a woodier plant and a much larger plant that can be difficult to contain. Escallonias are very forgiving plants and even if you get the trimming wrong, they will recover! As long as one-third of the plant remains with foliage, the plant should grow away fine.

How To Grow An Escallonia Hedge And The Correct Spacing

Escallonias make amazing formal hedges (i.e., trimmed) and to create an outstanding hedge, space plants 40-50 cm apart. The faster you want the hedge to fill in, the closer they should be planted. Similarly, space plants closely if you want a dense hedge quickly (i.e., 40 cm apart).

Variety selection is very important as not all varieties grow as tall as each other. Check out The Plant Company's range of Escallonia varieties to make sure you get the right one. We have taken great care to provide accurate information and detail about how each one grows. The varieties most commonly used for a formal hedge are Escallonia 'Apple Blossom', Escallonia 'Gold Brian', and Escallonia 'Snowbud'.

It is important to understand that the hedge is generally pruned in winter with about 10-15% of the exterior vegetation removed. The amount removed depends on how much you need to contain the hedge. The best Escallonia hedges are trimmed again during summer. The notion being that the trimming is little and often to keep the plants dense and lush. That said, they still look good with once-a-year trimming.

The hedge width can be anywhere from 50 cm to 1.5m for Escallonias. Narrower hedges will take more regular trimming than wider ones, however. Work out the maximum width you want the hedge to grow to before trimming as you plan the planting. Trimming is generally 5-10 cm back from that outer width and allowing for a centre of at least 30 cm.

How Hard Can I Prune An Escallonia?

Most Escallonia varieties will sprout new shoots when cut right back, even to stumps at ground level. However, this relies on the plant having heathy stems at the outset. If the stumps have any dead wood or they are too old (more than five years), they may not shoot or may only shoot on one side. Similarly, stumps that still have actively growing foliage may not sprout unless all the foliage connected to that stem is completely removed.

Severe pruning using a pruning saw is best undertaken during active growth in spring. Multiple shoots will usually grow from each stump. Please note: Escallonias grown in heavy shade environments may struggle to re-establish when cut back severely.

How Do You Thicken An Escallonia Hedge?

Thickening an Escallonia hedge requires a combination of strategic pruning, proper care, and patience:

• Prune your Escallonia hedge regularly, ideally 2-3 times a year. This encourages new growth from the base, leading to a thicker hedge.
• Water your plant regularly during dry periods.
• Feed plants in spring with a fertiliser suitable for Escallonias.
• Mulch around plants to help retain moisture and suppress weeds.

With proper care, your Escallonia hedge should grow quickly and thicken nicely.

What Are The Popular Escallonia Hedge Varieties In NZ?

There are several Escallonia varieties that are grown as a hedge in NZ. Here are some of the more popular ones:

Escallonia 'Apple Blossom'

• This is the most common variety, known for its glossy, dark green leaves, compact growth habit, and pink-white flowers.

Escallonia 'Snowbud'

• ‘Snowbud’ is a popular variety for hedging as it has bright green leaves, dense foliage, white flowers, and is fast-growing.

Escallonia 'White Knight'

• This cultivar has lustrous, dark green leaves and masses of white flowers through spring and summer.

Escallonia 'Gold Brian'

• This cultivar has bright yellow leaves and pink flowers. It is a fast-growing option that is great for providing colour and vibrance.

The Plant Company has a fantastic range of Escallonia Varieties that are well worth checking out.

Best Fertiliser And Feeding Escallonia Plants

Escallonias are vigorous plants that require feeding to keep them growing optimally. [The Plant Company’s shrub fertiliser] has been blended to give plants an initial boost and then sustained nutrition for 12-months. We recommend the fertiliser is applied to the soil surface in spring just as the plants start to grow actively. More importantly, we advise that no fertiliser is placed in the hole at planting, but rather spread around the soil surface so it can wash through the roots as it releases. The Plant Company’s shrub fertiliser ensures that nutrients remain in the soil around the plant rather than being lost through the soil profile to where the plant cannot reach it. This also applies to plants grown on sandy soils. The Plant Company’s shrub fertiliser is therefore very environmentally friendly and longer lasting than most other products in the market.

Foliar feeding using a liquid fertiliser can be undertaken if you have time but this is not essential if shrub fertiliser has been applied. If you think the plants need an extra boost or have some yellowing, however, a liquid fertiliser application won’t hurt. A great benefit of foliar feeding is that it helps keep the leaves strong and lush.

Best Fertiliser For Escallonias Grown In A Pot

Escallonias grown in containers require different fertiliser to those grown outdoors in soil. In this instance the correct fertilisers to use are either the container plant fertiliser or fertiliser tablets. Each of these will provide safe, sustained, and complete nutrition to the plant for the next 12-months. Using other types of fertiliser can be detrimental to the plant and may result in plant injury or death.

Foliar feeding using a liquid fertiliser can be undertaken if you have time but this is not essential if container plant fertiliser or fertiliser tablets have been used. If you think the plant needs an extra boost or has some yellowing, however, a liquid fertiliser application won’t hurt. A great benefit of foliar feeding is that it helps keep the leaves strong and lush as the nutrition is right where the plant needs it.

Escallonia Laevis Pink Elle Advice

Escallonia 'Pink Elle' is a beautiful and easy-to-care-for shrub that is perfect for adding a touch of colour and elegance to your garden. Some of its key characteristics include:

• It is a compact evergreen shrub that typically grows to 2-2.5 metres tall and 1.5-2 metres wide.
• It has glossy, dark green leaves and produces masses of upright, pink flowers in summer. The flowers fade to a gentle pink-white with age.
• This shrub has a bushy and dense growth habit, making it ideal for hedges, screens, or borders. It can also be grown in containers.
• Escallonia ‘Pink Elle’ prefers full sun but will tolerate some light shade.
• Once established, this shrub is largely drought tolerant and only needs occasional watering.
• It grows best on a well-drained soil.
• This shrub is hardy to moderate frost and some wind. It is also tolerant of coastal environments.

Care:

• Escallonia Pink Elle is a low-maintenance shrub that requires little care. Prune it back after flowering to maintain its shape and encourage new growth. You can also feed it with a fertiliser suitable for Escallonias in spring.

Overall, Escallonia 'Pink Elle' is a versatile and low-maintenance shrub that is perfect for a variety of garden uses. If you are looking for a beautiful and easy-to-care-for addition to your garden, Escallonia Pink Elle is a great option.

Escallonia Red Knight Advice

Escallonia 'Red Knight' has some key characteristics that make is popular with gardeners and landscapers alike:

• ‘Red Knight’ is a compact, bushy, evergreen shrub with glossy, dark green leaves. It is known for its prolific blooms of vibrant red-pink flowers that appear in clusters throughout spring and summer.
• This shrub grows to a mature height of around 2 metres (6.5 feet) and a spread of 1-2 metres (3-6.5 feet). Its dense and bushy growth habit makes it ideal for hedges, screens, borders, or as a specimen plant in the garden.
• It thrives in full sun but can tolerate some light shade.
• Once established, this shrub is largely drought tolerant and only needs occasional watering, during hot and dry periods.
• Escallonia Red Knight prefers well-drained, fertile soil.
• It is hardy to moderate frost and some wind. It is also known for its tolerance of coastal environments.

Care:

• Escallonia Red Knight is a low-maintenance shrub that requires little care. Prune it back after flowering to maintain its shape and encourage new growth. You can also feed it with a fertiliser suitable for Escallonias in spring.

Overall, Escallonia 'Red Knight' is a versatile and low-maintenance shrub that offers year-round interest with its attractive foliage and long-lasting flowers. It is a valuable addition to various garden styles, bringing a pop of colour and texture to the landscape.

Escallonia Snowbud Advice

Escallonia 'Snowbud' is popular with gardeners and landscapers alike due to a few key characteristics:

• Appearance: Escallonia Snowbud is a stunning evergreen shrub with bright green leaves that are complemented by clusters of delicate white flowers during spring and summer.
• Growth habit: This shrub typically grows to 2-3 metres tall and 2 metres wide. It has a bushy and dense growth habit, making it ideal for hedges, screens, or borders. It can also be grown in containers or as a standalone plant.
• Sun requirements: Escallonia Snowbud prefers full sun but will tolerate some light shade.
• Water requirements: Once established, this shrub is largely drought tolerant and only needs occasional watering.
• Soil requirements: Escallonia Snowbud prefers well-drained soil.
• Hardiness: It is hardy to moderate frost, some wind, and coastal environments.
• Care: Escallonia Snowbud is a low-maintenance shrub that requires little care. Prune it back after flowering to maintain its shape and encourage new growth. You can also feed it with a fertiliser suitable for Escallonias in spring.

Overall, Escallonia 'Snowbud' is a versatile and low-maintenance shrub that is perfect for a variety of garden uses. If you are looking for a beautiful and easy-to-care-for addition to your garden, Escallonia ‘Snowbud’ is a great option.

Escallonia Gold Brian Advice

Escallonia 'Gold Brian' is a bright and colourful plant that makes for an amazing hedge or standalone plant. Below are a few of its key characteristics that make it popular:

• Appearance: this evergreen shrub is known for its bright yellow-green foliage. It produces clusters of deep pink flowers in late summer and early autumn.
• Growth habit: It grows compactly, typically reaching 1.2 metres tall and 1.2 metres wide. Its bushy and dense growth habit makes it ideal for hedges, screens, borders, or as a specimen plant in the garden.
• Gold Brian prefers full sun but can tolerate part shade.
• Once established, this shrub is largely drought tolerant and only needs occasional watering, especially during hot and dry periods.
• Escallonia Gold Brian prefers a well-drained, fertile soil. It can tolerate slightly acidic to neutral soil pH.
• This shrub is hardy to moderate frost and some wind. It is also known for its tolerance of coastal environments.
• Escallonia 'Gold Brian' is a low-maintenance shrub that requires minimal care. Light pruning after flowering can help maintain its desired shape and encourage new growth. Additionally, you can also feed it with a fertiliser suitable for Escallonias in spring.

Overall, Escallonia 'Gold Brian' is a versatile and low-maintenance shrub that offers year-round interest with its attractive foliage and colourful flowers. It is a valuable addition to various garden styles, bringing a touch of brightness and texture to the landscape.

Escallonia Pink Pixie Hedge Advice

Escallonia 'Pink Pixie' has some key characteristics that make is popular with gardeners and landscapers alike for hedging and as a standalone plant:

• Appearance: Escallonia Pink Pixie is a compact, evergreen shrub with glossy, dark green leaves and masses of bright pink, bell-shaped flowers that bloom from late spring to late summer. It's a fast-growing shrub that can reach a mature height of 1m and the same wide.
• Growth habit: This shrub has a dense and bushy growth habit, making it ideal for low hedges or for growing in a container.
• Sun requirements: Escallonia Pink Pixie prefers full sun but can tolerate some light shade.
• Water requirements: Once established, this shrub is largely drought tolerant and only needs occasional watering during hot and dry periods.
• Soil requirements: Escallonia Pink Pixie prefers well-drained soil.
• Hardiness: This shrub is hardy to moderate frost and is known for its tolerance of coastal environments.
• Care: Escallonia Pink Pixie is a low-maintenance shrub that requires minimal care. Light pruning after flowering can help maintain its desired shape and encourage new growth. You can also feed it with a fertiliser suitable for Escallonias in spring to get it growing strongly.

Overall, Escallonia 'Pink Pixie' is a versatile and low-maintenance shrub that adds a pop of colour and texture to your garden. It's a great choice for creating low hedges, including in a mixed planting, or maintaining in a container.

Escallonia White Profusion Hedge Advice

Escallonia 'White Profusion' is a stunning and versatile evergreen shrub prized for its abundant white flowers and attractive foliage. Here are some of its key characteristics that make it great for hedging:

• Foliage: Dark green and glossy with serrated edges. Arranged oppositely along the stems and held densely.
• Flowers: Abundant clusters of small, white, tubular flowers with a slight fragrance through spring and summer. Bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects are drawn to its flowers.
• Growth habit: Upright and bushy, typically reaching a mature height of 2.5 metres and a of 2 metres wide.
• Responds well to pruning, allowing you to shape and maintain its size and form.
• Fast-growing: Reaches maturity quickly, making it ideal for creating hedges or screens.
• Prefers full sun but can tolerate some light shade.
• Once established, it's largely drought tolerant and requires occasional watering during hot and dry periods.
• Thrives in well-drained soil.
• Tolerates moderate frost, wind, and coastal environments.

Overall, Escallonia 'White Profusion' is a beautiful and low-maintenance shrub that offers year-round interest. Its abundant white flowers, attractive foliage, and tolerance for various conditions make it a valuable addition to diverse garden styles.

Where Can I Find Escallonia Plants For Sale In NZ?

The Plant Company offers a comprehensive range of Escallonia varieties. We appreciate that buying online is somewhat of a leap of faith, given you are putting your trust in us. Please rest assured that we only ship plants that we would happily buy and plant ourselves. Trust in The Plant Company to supply your Escallonia needs and allow us to impress you both with our quality and service. Our impressive Google Rating shows we are good at what we do!

Escallonia Propagation

Escallonias are easily propagated from stem cuttings. Semi-hardwood cuttings are usually taken from autumn until mid-spring. A stem about 8-10 cm long is trimmed into a cutting using secateurs with 2-3 leaves at the top and just below a node. A nick is taken off the base of the cutting to expose more tissue. The cutting is dipped in rooting hormone for 5-10 seconds and then inserted into propagation growing media. The tray of cuttings is placed under mist with bottom heat also applied. The cuttings will have taken root inside of five weeks as a rule.