How to Grow Escallonia Pink Pixie - Plant Care & Tips

By NorwichGardener Team   /   2024

Escallonia pink pixie is an ornamental shrub that is native to Brazil. It is a member of the Escalloniaceae family and is closely related to other species in the genus such as Escallonia rubra and Escallonia virgata. The shrub typically grows to a height of 2-3 meters and has glossy, dark green leaves. The pink pixie variety is characterized by its pale pink flowers which bloom in the summer months.

How to Grow Escallonia Pink Pixie - Plant Care & Tips

Also called

  • Ecuador pink escallonia
  • Pink pixie escallonia
  • Chilean fire bush
  • Peruvian fire bush
  • Scarlet fire bush

Basic info

  • Escallonia pink pixie is a fast-growing shrub that can reach up to 3 feet in height.
  • It has glossy, dark green leaves and pink flowers that bloom in the summer.
  • Pink pixie is drought tolerant and does well in full sun to partial shade.
  • It is hardy in zones 7-
  • Pink pixie is a good choice for hedges, screens, and foundation plantings.
  • It attracts bees and hummingbirds.
  • Pink pixie is deer resistant.
  • It is relatively easy to care for and is not susceptible to many pests or diseases.
  • Pink pixie can be propagated from seed or cuttings.
  • It is considered an evergreen in most regions.

Related plant:
Escallonia Donard Seedling

How to Grow

  1. For escallonia pink pixie, first step is to choose the right spot for planting. Avoid sites that are waterlogged or where the soil is very heavy and clay-like.
  2. The second step is to prepare the planting hole. The hole should be deep and wide enough to accommodate the roots of the plant.
  3. The third step is to improve the drainage of the planting hole by adding some organic matter such as compost or well-rotted manure.
  4. The fourth step is to place the plant in the planting hole and backfill with soil. Firm the soil around the plant to secure it in place.
  5. The fifth step is to water the plant thoroughly.
  6. The sixth step is to apply a layer of mulch around the plant. This will help to keep the roots moist and cool.
  7. The seventh step is to keep the plant well watered during the first growing season.
  8. The eighth step is to prune the plant in late winter or early spring to encourage new growth.
  9. The ninth step is to apply a balanced fertilizer in early spring.
  10. The tenth step is to enjoy your escallonia pink pixie plant!

Related plant:
Escallonia Red Elf

The Soil

About soil condition, Escallonia loves well-drained soil that is high in organic matter. It is best to amended the planting area with compost or peat moss before planting. If your soil is heavy clay, consider planting on a raised berm. Pink Pixie can tolerate some drought but looks best with regular watering during prolonged dry periods. Try to keep the soil moist but not soggy. Mulching around the plants will help to maintain moisture and keep down weeds.

About light

Similar to other varieties of escallonia, the Pink Pixie needs full sun to partial sun in order to thrive. It's a tough plant that can handle a wide range of soil types, as long as the drainage is good. Once established, it's quite drought tolerant. It's also relatively resistant to pests and diseases.

Good Temperature

The temperature condition that is best for an escallonia pink pixie is a warm climate. This plant prefers temperatures that are between 60 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit. If the temperature gets too cold, the leaves of the plant will turn brown and fall off.

Humidity Aspect

Ideal humidity condition for this plant is around 40%. If the humidity surrounding the plant is too high, the leaves will start to yellow and fall off. If the humidity is too low, the leaves will become dry and brittle.

Fertilizer Requirement

Mentioning fertilizer, this plant doesn't require much. A light application of slow release fertilizer or compost in spring is all that is needed. As for roots, it has a very fibrous root system which makes it very drought tolerant. Once established, it should only be watered about once a week.

Plant Pruning

Pruning is an important part of keeping your Escallonia Pink Pixie healthy and looking its best. You should prune it regularly to remove any dead or dying branches, as well as to shape it. When pruning, be sure to use sharp, clean pruning shears.

The Propagation

Propagation is best done in the spring from hardwood cuttings. Cuttings should be taken from new growth that is still soft, and they should be about 6-8 inches long. Place the cuttings in moistened potting mix, and keep them warm and humid until they have rooted. Once they have rooted, you can move them to a sunny spot and water them regularly.

Plant Growth

Usually, the plant growth rate is considered fast. They can grow up to 2-3 feet per year, with some pink pixie cultivars reaching a growth rate of 4 feet per year. However, this plant's growth rate will vary depending on the cultivar, with some growing slower than others. Overall, the pink pixie is a fast-growing plant that can quickly fill in a garden or landscaping area.

Basic Problems

Common problems for this kind of plant are that it is susceptible to root rot, it can be affected by scale insects, and it is not tolerant of frost. Root rot is a common problem for many plants, and it can be caused by overwatering or by having too much moisture in the soil. Scale insects are another common problem for many plants, and they can cause the leaves to turn yellow and fall off. Frost can also damage the leaves and cause the plant to die.

Tips on Growing

  • Remember to water your escallonia pink pixie regularly, especially during the warmer months.
  • Escallonia pink pixie plants love being in the sun, so make sure to place them in a bright spot in your garden.
  • Fertilize your escallonia pink pixie plant once a month during the growing season.
  • Prune your escallonia pink pixie plant regularly to encourage new growth and prevent it from getting too leggy.
  • Keep an eye out for pests and diseases, and treat them promptly if you notice any.
  • When transplanting your escallonia pink pixie plant, make sure to dig a hole that is twice as wide as the root ball.
  • Amend the soil around your escallonia pink pixie plant with compost or other organic matter to help it thrive.
  • If you live in an area with a lot of deer, you may need to

Alternative Plants

  • PEPPERMINT PIXIE: Peppermint pixie (. Peppermint pixie) is a small variety that typically reaches about six to ten inches tall. The plant has deep-green leaves with irregular, serrated edges. The foliage has a strong, minty fragrance when crushed.
  • SUGAR BABY PIXIE: Sugar baby pixie (. Sugar baby pixie) is a small variety that typically reaches about eight to ten inches tall. The plant has deep-green leaves with irregular, serrated edges. The foliage has a sweet, minty fragrance when crushed.
  • STRAWBERRY PIXIE: Strawberry pixie (. Strawberry pixie) is a small variety that typically reaches about six to ten inches tall. The plant has deep-green leaves with irregular, serrated edges. The foliage has a sweet, strawberry fragrance when crushed.
  • PINEAPPLE PIXIE: Pineapple p

Source:
Why are Pink Diamonds Pink? - Gemological Institute of America
Dixie State University :: Academic Advisement Center :: …
Dixie State University :: Contact

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Reviewed & Published by Richelle
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Shrubs Category