Escallonia red elf is an evergreen shrub that is native to Chile. It has dark green leaves and blooms red flowers from late spring to early summer. This plant is drought tolerant and does best in full sun to partial shade. It is a low maintenance plant that does not require pruning.
Related plant:
Escallonia Donard Seedling
Related plant:
Escallonia Laevis
About soil condition, Escallonia Red Elf prefers well-drained soil that is high in organic matter. It is not too particular about soil type as long as it is not overly wet or dry. This plant is tolerant of salt spray, making it a good choice for coastal gardens. It can also tolerate some drought once established.
Like the other Escallonias, Red Elf is best in full sun to part shade. It will do fine in just about any exposure though, even full shade, although it may not bloom as prolifically. Red Elf will even take a little salt spray, making it a good choice for seaside gardens. Because it is evergreen, it can also be sheared, making it a good candidate for a low hedge.
The temperature condition for Escallonia Red Elf is ideal if it is between 60 to 70 degrees Fahrenheit. This shrub is native to Chile and Argentina and prefers full sun to partial shade. It is a fast grower and can reach up to 6 feet tall. The Escallonia Red Elf has dark green leaves and produces clusters of white or pink flowers from May to June.
Ideal humidity condition for this plant is around 50%. If the humidity drops below 40%, the plant may start to experience stress. To raise the humidity, you can mist the plant daily or set the pot on a tray of pebbles and water.
About fertilizer, this type of plant doesn't need too much. A general-purpose fertilizer applied in early spring is all that is necessary. Be sure to follow the package directions. Regarding the root, Escallonia Red Elf is a tough plant that is not too particular about its soil. It will even do reasonably well in heavy clay soils, as long as they are not too wet. Just be sure to plant your Escallonia at the same depth that it was growing in the container.
Pruning is an important part of keeping your Escallonia Red Elf healthy and looking its best. Prune in early spring, before new growth begins. Remove any dead, diseased, or damaged branches. Cut back any branches that are rubbing against each other. Cut back any branches that are growing out of shape.
Propagation is usually done by softwood or hardwood cuttings taken from the plant in spring or summer. The cuttings should be about 6 inches long and should be taken from new growth. Dip the cuttings in rooting hormone and plant them in a pot filled with moistened perlite or sand. Place the pot in a plastic bag to create a humid environment and put it in a warm spot out of direct sunlight. Keep the soil moist but not soggy.After the cuttings have rooted, which should take 4 to 6 weeks, they can be transplanted into pots filled with potting mix.
Usually, the plant growth rate is considered to be fast. They can grow up to 6 feet (1.8 meters) in a single season. However, they may only reach their mature height after several years. After they are established, they can grow up to 2 feet (0.6 meter) per year.
Common problems for this kind of plant are leaf drop, fungal diseases, and scale. Leaf drop can be caused by too much water, too little water, or a nutrient deficiency. If the leaves are dropping due to too much water, then you should water less often. If the leaves are dropping due to too little water, then you should water more often. If the leaves are dropping due to a nutrient deficiency, then you should fertilize the plant. Fungal diseases can be treated with fungicide. Scale can be treated with insecticide.
Source:
Managing Pests in Gardens: Trees and Shrubs: EscalloniaUC
Escallonia bifida (syn. E. montevidensis), escallonia | Trees of ...
Escallonia: The Genus and Its Chromosomes | Botanical Gazette:
