How to Grow Escallonia Donard Seedling - Plant Care & Tips

By NorwichGardener Team / 2024

Escallonia donard seedling is a tough and adaptable little shrub that is perfect for growing in pots and containers on the patio. It has small, glossy green leaves and produces pretty white flowers in summer. This plant is also known as Escallonia rubra donard seedling.

How to Grow Escallonia Donard Seedling - Plant Care & Tips

Also called

Donard seedling
Donard apple
Donard cherry
Donard peach
Donard plum

Good to Know

Escallonia donard seedlings are fast-growing, evergreen shrubs.
They can reach up to 6 feet in height and spread up to 8 feet.
The leaves are dark green and glossy, and the flowers are white or pink.
Escallonia donard seedlings are tolerant of a wide range of soils and conditions.
They are drought tolerant once established.
Escallonia donard seedlings are susceptible to a number of pests and diseases, including scale, aphids, and powdery mildew.
Regular pruning is necessary to maintain the shape of the shrub.
Escallonia donard seedlings are generally hardy in USDA hardiness zones 7 to
They can be propagated from seed or cuttings.
Escallonia donard seedlings are often used as hedges or foundation plants.

Planting Process

For escallonia donard seedling, first step is to find a place in your garden that gets plenty of sunlight.
Once you have found the perfect spot, clear away any weeds or debris that may be present.
Next, loosen the soil with a spade or rake to create a loose and fluffy bed for your escallonia donard seedling.
Once the bed is prepared, sow your seeds thinly and evenly across the surface.
Gently press the seeds into the soil, but do not cover them completely.
Water the bed well and keep it moist until the seeds have germinated.
Once the seedlings have emerged, thin them out so that only the strong and healthy plants remain.
Continue to water and care for your escallonia donard seedlings until they are ready to be transplanted into their permanent positions.
When transplanting, make sure to dig a hole that is slightly larger than the root ball of the plant.
Gently place the plant into the hole and firm the soil around it.

Related plant:
Escallonia Laevis Pink Elle

Soil Requirement

About soil condition, the escallonia donard seedling needs well-drained soil that is moist but not waterlogged. The soil should be high in organic matter and have a pH that is neutral to slightly acidic.

Light requirement

So, like the other plants, sun light is important for the Escallonia donard seedling. It helps the plant grow and develop properly. The plant needs at least 6 hours of sun light everyday in order to thrive.

Ideal Temperature

The temperature conditions that are ideal for an escallonia donard seedling are between 68 and 72 degrees Fahrenheit. The seedling should be in a location that receives indirect sunlight for at least six hours a day.

Humidity Level

Ideal humidity condition for this plant is around 50-60%. If the humidity drops below 50%, the leaves will start to become dry and crispy. If the humidity rises above 60%, the leaves will start to become limp and develop brown spots.

Fertilizer Requirement

Regarding fertilizer, usually the plant does not need much. If you feel that it is necessary, you can add some organic matter to the top of the soil around the plant. With Escallonia, it is important not to damage the roots when working with the soil.

Plant Pruning

Pruning is an important part of escallonia care. Donard seedlings should be pruned in late winter or early spring. Pruning helps to control the plant's growth, shape the plant, and remove any damaged or diseased branches.

About Propagating

Propagation of Escallonia donard seedlings is best done by softwood cuttings taken from new growth in late spring or early summer. Cuttings should be taken from the current season's growth and should be 4-6 inches (10-15 cm) long. Use a sharp knife or pruners to make a clean cut just below a leaf node. Remove the bottom leaves and dip the cut end of the cutting in rooting hormone powder. Insert the cuttings into moistened potting mix or sand and place them in a bright, sunny location. Keep the soil moist but not soggy and in 4-6 weeks the cuttings should have rooted and new growth will appear.

Plant Growth

Usually, the plant growth rate is generally slow to moderate. In the wild, they are often found as scattered individuals in the understory of taller trees. In cultivation, they are often used as ornamental plants. They can be found in a variety of colors including white, pink, and red. The flowers are produced in clusters and have a sweet fragrance. The leaves are simple and spirally arranged. The fruit is a drupe that contains a single seed.

Common Problems

Common problems for this kind of plant are that the leaves can turn yellow, the plant can drop its leaves, and the stems can become brittle. These problems are usually caused by over-watering, under-watering, or too much sun exposure.

Basics of Growing

Make sure to start with fresh, viable seed.
Sow the seed in a well-draining seed-starting mix.
Water the seedlings regularly, but do not allow them to become waterlogged.
When the seedlings are large enough to handle, transplant them into individual pots.
Grow the seedlings in a bright, sunny location.
Escallonia donard seedlings are relatively fast-growing, so fertilize them every few weeks with a balanced fertilizer.
Pinch back the tips of the seedlings regularly to encourage bushier growth.
When the seedlings are large enough, plant them out in the garden in a sunny location.
Water the plants regularly during the growing season.
Escallonia donard plants are generally pest- and disease-free, but keep an eye out for Aphids and scale insects.