A glossy-leaved evergreen covered in dainty pink-and-white apple-blossom flowers through the warmer months. Wind- and salt-tolerant, it makes an excellent flowering coastal hedge.
At a glance
- Plant type: Shrub
- Mature size: 2.5 m H × 2 m W
- Aspect: full sun and part shade or morning sun
- Water: happy on low water
- Frost: hardy
- Maintenance: low maintenance
- Origin: Exotic
About Escallonia
Escallonia 'Apple Blossom' is a fast-growing shrub in the Escalloniaceae family. It reaches around 2.5 m tall and 2 m wide at maturity, with evergreen foliage. Pink and white flowers appear for much of the year.
Where to grow Escallonia
Escallonia suits warm-temperate, cool-temperate and Mediterranean climates and grows best in full sun and part shade or morning sun. It is frost hardy and shrugs off cold winters. It also tolerates salt-laden coastal winds.
Soil & planting
Escallonia does best in free-draining, loamy and sandy soil. Plant into well-prepared ground, firm the soil around the roots and water deeply to settle it in. For a screen, space plants about 1.2 m apart.
Watering & feeding
Escallonia performs well with relatively little water once established. Feed as new growth begins, following the rate on a balanced garden fertiliser. For the first year, favour occasional deep watering over frequent shallow drinks so roots move into the surrounding soil.
Pruning & care
Prune Escallonia after flowering to keep it compact and encourage the next flush of blooms. It clips well, so trim two or three times a year for a formal finish. For most gardens, it is low maintenance.
Using Escallonia in the garden
Escallonia earns its place for a fast screen or informal hedge, a windbreak, feeding bees and pollinators and drawing nectar-feeding birds into the garden.
Companion planting & design
Escallonia sits most comfortably beside plants adapted to low water use and warm-temperate climate. A small cluster gives stronger visual impact than isolated plants scattered through the garden.
Buying Escallonia
Plant Sale lists Escallonia as tube stock, potted plants and advanced specimens. Use the quote builder above to ask about current stock, sizes and pricing.
