Maintenance Landscaping Design

Escallonia apple blossom is a species of flowering plant in the family Escalloniaceae. It is native to Argentina, Bolivia, Chile, Ecuador, and Peru. The plant typically blooms in the summer and fall, bearing white, pink, or red flowers.

Also known as

• glow-of-dawn
  
• glowing embers
  
• rosy-hued
  
• dawn-tipped
  
• sunrise-colored

Things to Know

• Escallonia apple blossom is a shrub that is native to South America.
  
• It has evergreen leaves and produces clusters of white or pinkish flowers.
  
• The shrub can grow to a height of 15 feet and a width of 10 feet.
  
• It prefers full sun to partial shade and well-drained soil.
  
• It is tolerant of salt and wind, making it a good choice for coastal landscapes.
  
• It can be pruned to maintain a desired shape and size.
  
• It is relatively low maintenance and does not require much fertilizer or watering.
  
• It is susceptible to scale and aphids, so regular pest control is necessary.
  
• It blooms from late spring to early summer.
  
• The flowers are often used in cut flower arrangements.

Related plant:
Escallonia Donard Seedling

How to Grow

1. For escallonia apple blossom, first step is to take a cutting from the desired plant.
   
2. Place the cutting in a pot or container with well-draining soil.
   
3. Water the cutting thoroughly and wait for it to develop roots.
   
4. Once the roots have developed, transplant the cutting into a larger pot or container.
   
5. Water the plant regularly and place it in a location that receives indirect sunlight.
   
6. Fertilize the escallonia apple blossom every few weeks during the growing season.
   
7. Prune the plant as needed to shape it and encourage new growth.
   
8. In the fall, prepare the plant for winter by trimming it back and covering it with mulch.
   
9. In the spring, remove the mulch and resume regular watering and fertilizing.
   
10. Enjoy your escallonia apple blossom!

Related plant:
Escallonia Pink Princess

The Soil

About soil condition, it is best to go with a well-draining option such as sandy loam. This will ensure that the roots of your Escallonia do not rot. If you live in an area with heavy clay soils, you can improve drainage by mixing in some organic matter. You can also plant your Escallonia in a raised bed to improve drainage.

About light

So, like the other Escallonia species, the apple blossom variety requires a lot of sun to thrive. It prefers full sun but can tolerate some light shade. If you live in an area with hot summers, it's best to provide some afternoon shade to prevent the leaves from scorching.

Ideal Temperature

The temperature condition necessary for Escallonia apple blossom to thrive is cool to cold. This plant prefers full sun to partial shade and soil that is evenly moist but well-drained. In hot weather, the leaves of this plant will turn brown and drop off.

Humidity Requirement

Ideal humidity condition for this plant : The Escallonia apple blossom prefers high humidity and does best in a room with a humidifier. If the air in your home is too dry, the leaves of your plant will start to turn brown and crinkle.

Fertilizer Requirement

Regarding fertilizer, this family of plant is relatively easy going. A root system that is designed to go deep into the ground will also be able to access more nutrients that are otherwise unavailable to shallow-rooted plants. This means that even if the topsoil is depleted, the plant will still be able to find the nutrients it needs. As for the root system itself, it is important to keep it healthy and free from disease. This can be done by ensuring that the soil is well-draining and by not allowing the plant to become waterlogged.

About light

Pruning is essential for the health and appearance of your Escallonia apple blossom. This shrub blooms on new growth, so pruning in late winter or early spring encourages lots of flowers. Cut back one-third to one-half of the plant's height, making sure to remove any crossing or damaged branches.

About Propagating

Propagation of apple blossom escallonia is best done through softwood or semi-ripe cuttings taken in late summer or early fall. Cuttings should be 6-8 inches long and taken from new growth. Dip the cuttings in rooting hormone and plant in well-draining potting mix. Keep the cuttings moist and in a bright location but out of direct sunlight until roots have formed. Once roots have formed and the plants are actively growing, transplant to individual pots or the garden.

Growth Rate

Usually, the plant growth rate is fast, allowing the plant to put out new leaves and flowers quickly. However, there are some cultivars with a slower growth rate that is more manageable for gardeners. No matter the cultivar, escallonia apple blossom is a heavy feeder and will need regular fertilization to maintain its vigor.

The Problems

Common problems for this kind of plant are black spot, powdery mildew, and rust. These can all be treated with fungicides. However, if the problem is severe, you may need to prune the affected branches.

Growing Tips

• Make sure to plant your escallonia apple blossom in an area that gets full sun.
  
• Be sure to space your plants at least 2 feet apart to ensure they have enough room to grow.
  
• Amend the soil with compost or other organic matter before planting to help the plant roots establish themselves.
  
• Water your escallonia apple blossom regularly, especially during the first growing season.
  
• Fertilize your plant every few weeks during the growing season with a balanced fertilizer.
  
• Prune your plant regularly to encourage new growth and to keep it looking tidy.
  
• Be on the lookout for pests or diseases and take action if necessary.
  
• Harvest the flowers when they are fully open and use them fresh or dried in arrangements.
  
• Cut back the plant in late winter or early spring to encourage new growth in the coming season.
  
• Enjoy your beautiful escallonia apple bl

Similar Plants

• Escallonia alpina is a species in the Escallonia genus in the family Escalloniaceae.
  
• Escallonia angustifolia is a species in the Escallonia genus in the family Escalloniaceae.
  
• Escallonia ‘Pride of Doncaster’ is a cultivar of hybrid origins, having been derived from Escallonia rubra subsp.
  
• Escallonia capensis, with common names cape escallonia, escallonia and escollonia, is a species in the Escallonia genus in the family Escalloniaceae.
  
• Escallonia bifida is a species in the Escallonia genus in the family Escalloniaceae.
  
• Escallonia ‘Donard Radiance’ is a cultivar of hybrid origins, having been derived from Escallonia rubra subsp.
  
• Escallonia

Source:
Escallonia rubra (Escallonia) | North Carolina Extension Gardener …
Apple blossom thinning for 2013 apple crop - MSU Extension
Apple | Diseases and Pests, Description, Uses, Propagation