How to Grow Escallonia Hedge - Plant Care & Tips

By NorwichGardener Team   /   2024

Escallonia hedge is a fast-growing, evergreen shrub that is perfect for hedges and screening. It is low-maintenance and drought-tolerant, making it an ideal choice for those who do not want to spend a lot of time caring for their plants. Escallonia hedge is also deer-resistant, so you do not have to worry about your plants being eaten by these pesky animals.

How to Grow Escallonia Hedge - Plant Care & Tips

Alternative name

  • Escallonia rubra
  • Escallonia edentata
  • Escallonia pinnatifida
  • Escallonia illinita
  • Escallonia myrtilloides

Things to Know

  • Escallonia hedge is a shrub or small tree that is native to South America.
  • It is grown for its glossy evergreen leaves and showy flowers.
  • Escallonia hedge can be either deciduous or evergreen, depending on the species.
  • The leaves are simple and ovate, and the flowers are borne in clusters.
  • Escallonia hedge is tolerant of both sun and shade.
  • It prefers well-drained soil and is drought tolerant.
  • Escallonia hedge is susceptible to aphids, mealybugs, and scale insects.
  • It is also susceptible to powdery mildew and leaf spot.
  • Escallonia hedge can be propagated from seed, cuttings, or grafting.
  • It is commonly used as a hedging plant or as an accent plant in landscaping.

Related plant:
Escallonia Donard Seedling

Growing Steps

  1. For escallonia hedge, first step is to find a sunny spot in your garden that has well-drained soil.
  2. Then, dig a hole that is twice the size of the plant’s root ball and mix some compost into the excavated soil.
  3. Next, gently remove the plant from its pot and place it in the hole.
  4. Backfill the hole with the mixed soil and water the plant well.
  5. Once the plant is established, you can trim it to the desired shape.
  6. To keep your escallonia hedge looking its best, fertilize it annually with a balanced fertilizer.
  7. If you live in an area with harsh winters, you may need to provide protection for your plants.
  8. To do this, simply drape a piece of burlap or frost cloth over the plants.
  9. In the spring, remove the burlap or frost cloth.
  10. Enjoy your beautiful escallonia hedge!

Related plant:
Escallonia Apple Blossom

The Soil

About soil condition, an escallonia hedge prefers well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter. The soil should be moist but not soggy, as the roots can rot in overly wet conditions. An escallonia hedge can tolerate a wide range of pH levels, from acidic to alkaline.

Light condition

Not too different with other types of Escallonia, the Escallonia Hedge is a sun-loving plant. It prefers to grow in full sun to partial sun, but it can also tolerate partial shade. The Hedge does best in well-drained soil, but it can also tolerate clay soils as long as they are not too wet.

The Temperature

The temperature condition that is best for an escallonia hedge is warm weather. This type of hedge does not do well in cold weather, so it is important to keep it in a warm environment. If the temperature gets too cold, the leaves of the hedge will turn brown and drop off.

Humidity Level

Ideal humidity condition for this plant is 45 to 65 percent. If conditions are too dry, the leaves may curl and the plant may drop its flowers. If conditions are too humid, the leaves may yellow and the plant may be more susceptible to disease.

Fertilizing

About fertilizer, usually the plant will do well with any all-purpose fertilizer. It's best to feed it before new growth begins in the spring. For an established escallonia hedge, once a year is usually sufficient. As for the root, it is best to plant them in early spring or late fall. If you live in a cold climate, it's best to wait until spring.

Plant Pruning

Pruning your Escallonia Hedge To keep your Escallonia hedge looking its best, you'll need to prune it regularly. Pruning helps to encourage new growth and keeps the hedge looking neat and tidy. The best time to prune your hedge is in late winter or early spring. This gives the hedge time to recover from the pruning and produce new growth before the summer. To prune your hedge, start by removing any dead, diseased or damaged branches. Cut these branches back to the main stem of the plant. Next, cut back any long branches that are sticking out from the main body of the hedge. Cut these branches back to the desired length, making sure that all the cuts are at a 45-degree angle. Finally, cut back any remaining branches to the desired shape. When you're finished pruning, your hedge should have a nice, even shape.

Plant Propagation

Propagation is best done in late spring or early summer by taking semi-ripe cuttings 8-10cm (3-4in) long from the current season's growth. Cut just below a node, remove the lower leaves and insert the cuttings into a pot of moistened cutting compost. Place the pot in a light, warm position out of direct sunlight and keep the compost moist. New roots should form within 3-4 weeks. Once rooted, pot on the cuttings into 7.5-10cm (3-4in) pots of John Innes No.2 compost and grow them on in a cool, light position. When the plants are large enough, acclimatise them to outdoor conditions over 7 to 10 days before planting out in their final positions 30cm (12in) apart.

Plant Growth

Usually, the plant growth rate is about 30 to 50 centimeters per year. However, growth rates may vary depending on the species. For example, E. rubra generally grows faster than E. alpina. E. rubra may grow up to 1 meter per year.

The Problems

Common problems for this kind of plant are pests and diseases. These problems can lead to the death of the plant. Pests include aphids, scale insects, and mites. Diseases include powdery mildew, root rot, and leaf spot.

List to Know

  • Make sure to plant your escallonia hedge in an area that receives full sun.
  • Escallonia hedges prefer well-drained soil.
  • Space your plants accordingly when planting your hedge to ensure they have room to grow.
  • When trimming your escallonia hedge, make sure to do so in a way that encourages new growth.
  • Prune your escallonia hedge regularly to maintain its shape.
  • Fertilize your escallonia hedge every few months to ensure it remains healthy.
  • Water your escallonia hedge regularly, especially during dry periods.
  • Keep an eye out for pests and diseases and treat them accordingly.
  • If you live in an area with cold winters, consider covering your escallonia hedge to protect it from the cold.
  • Enjoy your beautiful escallonia hedge!

Similar Plants

  • Escallonia bifida
  • Escallonia bush
  • Escallonia donald mckay
  • Escallonia edithae
  • Escallonia exoniensis
  • Escallonia fragrans
  • Escallonia ground cover
  • Escallonia hedge
  • Escallonia iphigenia
  • Escallonia macrantha

Source:
Escallonia | Landscape Plants | Oregon State University
Escallonia × langleyensis - Oregon State University
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