Red escallonia
Also known as
Chilean escallonia, Escallonia
Keep this plant’s care guide close at hand.
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Escallonia rubra is a hardy, evergreen to semi-evergreen shrub native to the cool, maritime regions of southern South America. Typically reaching 2–3 m in height and spread, it forms a dense, bushy habit with glossy, serrated, dark green leaves that often carry a faint resinous scent. Clusters of tubular to funnel-shaped flowers in shades of crimson to rose-red appear from late spring through summer and often into autumn, attracting bees and butterflies. Noted for its tolerance of wind and salt spray, it is widely used as a hedging and coastal garden shrub in temperate climates. It responds well to clipping, making it suitable for formal screens as well as informal borders. Escallonia rubra thrives in well-drained, moderately fertile soil that is slightly acidic to neutral and prefers full sun for best flowering. Once established, it is notably drought tolerant yet benefits from occasional deep watering in prolonged dry spells.
Taxonomy
Properties & Requirements
How to care for Red escallonia
Water
Water regularly during the first growing season to establish deep roots—aim for a thorough soak once or twice weekly, allowing the top few centimeters of soil to dry between waterings. Once established, Escallonia rubra is moderately drought tolerant; switch to deep, infrequent watering during extended dry spells. Avoid waterlogged conditions by ensuring excellent drainage, especially in containers. A 5–7 cm organic mulch helps maintain even soil moisture and reduces irrigation frequency.
Light
Best flowering occurs in full sun (6+ hours of direct light). It will tolerate light to partial shade, especially in hotter inland areas where afternoon shade helps prevent leaf scorch. Too much shade reduces flower production and encourages lankier growth. In coastal, windy settings, full sun with wind exposure is acceptable, but ensure soil does not dry excessively. Indoor culture is uncommon; if container-grown, provide the brightest outdoor exposure available.
Nutrients
Feed lightly: apply a balanced, slow-release granular fertilizer (e.g., 8-8-8 or 10-10-10) in early spring, and top-dress with compost to improve soil structure and moisture retention. Avoid high-nitrogen formulas that encourage lanky growth at the expense of flowers. In containers, supplement with a half-strength balanced liquid feed monthly from late spring to mid-summer. Stop feeding by late summer to allow new growth to harden before winter.
Temperature
Hardy in mild to cool temperate regions (approximately USDA Zones 7–9). Mature plants tolerate brief drops to about −10 to −12 °C with shelter and good drainage. Protect young plants from severe frost and drying winter winds. In hot-summer climates, growth and flowering may slow during prolonged heat above 32 °C; provide mulch and afternoon shade to reduce stress. Avoid sites with frost pockets or extreme continental temperature swings.
