Escallonia laevis is an evergreen shrub that is native to Chile and Argentina. It grows to a height of 10-15 feet and has dark green, glossy leaves. The flowers are white or pink and bloom in the summer.
Related plant:
Escallonia Donard Seedling
Related plant:
Escallonia Shrub
About soil condition, escallonia laevis prefer well-drained soil. They are not very tolerant of wet conditions and can even die in standing water. They also like soil that is on the acidic side. They can tolerate some shade, but they do best in full sun.
So, like the other Escallonias, Escallonia laevis prefers full sun to partial sun. It will tolerate some shade, especially during the heat of the day, but it will not flower as heavily in shady conditions. It is a good choice for a foundation plant, hedges, or mass plantings.
The temperature condition that is most ideal for growing Escallonia Laevis is a range between 10 to 20 degrees Celsius. This shrub is known to be quite adaptable though, and can tolerate some variation outside of this ideal range. For example, it can still grow and produce flowers in temperatures as low as -5 degrees Celsius, though its growth will be slower in these cooler conditions. Similarly, it can also survive in temperatures up to 30 degrees Celsius, though it will require extra watering in these hotter conditions.
Ideal humidity condition for this plant is 70%, with a minimum of 50%. If the humidity drops below 50%, the leaves will begin to drop. If the humidity is too high, the leaves will become yellow and begin to drop.
Mentioning fertilizer, this family of plant doesn't require too much. In fact, if you were to use too much, it could actually damage the plant. Just a light application of a balanced fertilizer in early spring is all that's needed. Be sure to follow the package directions. As for watering, the Escallonia laevis is fairly drought resistant once established. However, during extended periods of heat or little rainfall, they will appreciate being watered on a regular basis. The root system of this plant is fairly shallow, so care should be taken not to overwater.
Pruning is an important part of keeping your Escallonia laevis plant healthy and looking its best. The best time to prune your plant is in late winter or early spring, before new growth begins. When pruning, be sure to remove any dead or damaged branches, as well as any branches that are crossing or rubbing against each other. You should also trim back any branches that are longer than the others, to create a more balanced look.
Propagation is best done from softwood cuttings taken in late spring or early summer. Cuttings should be about 6 inches (15 cm) long and taken from the tips of the shoot. Remove the bottom leaves and insert the cuttings into a well-drained rooting medium such as sand, perlite, or vermiculite. Rooting hormone can be used to encourage the formation of roots. Keep the cuttings moist and in a warm, humid environment until they have rooted, which can take four to eight weeks. Once rooted, pot up the cuttings into individual containers and grow them on under high humidity until they are large enough to plant out in the garden.
Usually, the plant growth rate is between 6 and 12 inches (15-30 cm) per year. However, some may grow as fast as 24 inches (60 cm) in a single growing season. Once they are established, they can tolerate drought conditions and clay soils.
Common problems for this kind of plant are fungus diseases, pests, and malnutrition. For fungicide diseases, treat with fungicide and remove any dead or dying leaves or branches. For pests, treat with pesticide and remove any infested leaves or branches. For malnutrition, fertilize with a balanced fertilizer and water regularly.
Source:
Escallonia: The Genus and Its Chromosomes | Botanical Gazette:
Escallonia bifida (syn. E. montevidensis), escallonia | Trees of ...
JC Raulston Arboretum - Photographs of Escallonia laevis 'Gold
