Escallonia

Are a valuable set of evergreen and semi evergreen shrubs that are best grown on the southern and western side of the UK due to the weather conditions. Because of their incredible level of salt tolerance they are able to thrive near the coast.

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Prolonged frosts in the winter months will make most varieties lose some of their leaves, but they will readily produce more in the spring.

If you're garden is inland, it may be best to position it against a wall or fence, in order to get it through the winter when the inland gardens, tend to get a lot more frosts.

The flower colours are generally pink, reddish, white and peachy.

These plants do best in free draining ground and where there's lots of sunshine, as the leaves are almost succulent like.

Minimal pruning required, however it is good to remove any straggly bits, immediately after flowering, in early autumn.

The flowers usually start in late May and early June and continue sporadically until early autumn.

Right by the sea, it is often used as a hedging plant as if it is trimmed after flowering each year, it becomes quite dense and makes a very good shelter or screen.

There are many varieties to choose from and I would like to mention a few to whet your appetite.

Escallonia Donard Radiance has clusters of small pink flowers with red centres and grows roughly to a size of 5' x 5'.

Escallonia Apple Blossom is a tougher variety than most, capable of five to six foot and has super pinkish through to red streaks in the flowers and it has to be said is a definite favourite of mine.

Escallonia Iveyi has superb white flowers and a bigger leaf, very striking and will comfortably be over 6 foot with age.  This is a variety that certainly needs a clip, just after flowering to keep it in check.

Escallonia Crimson Spire, this almost red flowered variety has vigour to 2 1/2 metres in height and one half in spread.  Because it is fast-growing, it is often used for screening in seaside exposure.

Escallonia rubra is about the reddest form of all and is capable of 7 foot or more.

Escallonia Peach Blossom is any less vigorous form with apricotty pink flowers, reaching roughly 4' x 4'.

Escallonia edinensis is again very compact inhabit and it takes a long time for it to reach over 6 foot.  This form is much deeper in colour, while in bud and a paler pink, when fully open.

There are many more varieties that I have not mentioned here, but should you be considering Escallonia for your garden, then you could always raise any queries within the shrub forums.

I hope this gives you a brief insight, into the lovely world of Escallonia.  Good luck!!