Red Escallonia

escallonia rubra

Also known as: ["Red Escallonia","Escallonia"]

Family: Escalloniaceae Genus: Escallonia Category: Shrubs

Overview

A dense, evergreen shrub with glossy leaves and clusters of small, tubular red flowers.

Benefits & Perks

["long-flowering","deer resistant","wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)","fragrant flowers"]

Botanical Classification

Phylum: Magnoliophyta
Class: Magnoliopsida
Order: Rosales
Family: Escalloniaceae
Genus: Escallonia
Botanical Name: Escallonia rubra

Plant Characteristics

Basic Information
  • Category: Shrubs
  • Suitable Location: outdoor garden bed or container in a sheltered spot
  • Suitable For:
    Outdoor Landscapers Collectors & Enthusiasts Wildlife Supporters
  • Is Weed: No
  • Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
  • Climate: {"temperatureRange":"5–30°C"}
  • Hardiness: {"zones":"8–11"}
  • Misting: rarely required, only if ambient humidity is very low
  • Drainage: Fast-draining to prevent waterlogging.
  • Soil Type: Well-draining, fertile soil with organic matter; can tolerate slightly sandy or loamy soils.
Maintenance Level
  • Maintenance Level: moderate
  • Toughness Level: moderate
  • Pruning Frequency: Annually after flowering; light pruning can be done as needed to remove dead or damaged growth.
  • Pruning Intensity: Moderate; remove up to one-third of old growth to rejuvenate the plant.
Care Details

Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Full sun to partial shade; 6–8 hours of direct sunlight daily, with some afternoon shade in hot climates.

Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate new plants gradually to direct sun; protect from intense midday sun to prevent leaf scorch; adjust placement based on seasonal light intensity.

Warning Signs: Yellowing leaves, root rot, stunted growth, or poor flowering indicate poor soil or drainage issues.

Care Requirements

Care Difficulty
moderate

moderate

Sunlight

full sun to partial shade

Morning sun is ideal; use shade cloth in extreme heat; rotate plant for even growth.

Watering

every 7–10 days during active growth, reduce in winter

Water thoroughly until runoff, allow soil to dry partially between waterings, avoid overhead watering to prevent leaf diseases.

Soil

well-drained, fertile soil with some organic matter

pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6.0–7.0).

Use a mix of potting soil and perlite; avoid heavy clay soils; mulch to retain moisture.

Temperature

Prefers mild temperatures, 60–75°F (15–24°C); tolerates cooler temperatures but avoid prolonged frost.

Protect from frost; provide shade in summer; maintain moderate humidity.

Fertilizing

every 4–6 weeks during spring and summer

Fertilize in spring before new growth; water before applying fertilizer; stop fertilizing in fall.

Propagation

Methods

Softwood cuttings taken in summer.

Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
  1. Take 4–6 inch cuttings, remove lower leaves, dip in rooting hormone, plant in medium, maintain humidity, wait for roots.

Best Time: Late spring to early summer when new growth is firm but not woody.

Environment

High humidity (70–80%), warm temperatures (65–75°F), indirect light.

Medium

Peat-based mix with perlite or sand for good drainage.

Hormone

Rooting hormone is recommended to improve success rate.

Timeline

Roots develop in 4–8 weeks; establish in new pot after 3–4 months.

Tools Needed

Pruning shears, rooting hormone, small pots, misting spray bottle, plastic bags or propagator.

Quick Tips

Use healthy, non-flowering stems; keep soil consistently moist; provide bottom heat if possible.

Pruning & Repotting

Pruning Guide
Method

Use clean, sharp tools; make cuts just above a leaf node or bud; shape the plant evenly.

Pruning Plan

Prune to maintain shape, encourage bushiness, and remove dead or diseased wood; best done after flowering to avoid cutting off next year's blooms.

Tools

Pruning shears, loppers, gloves, disinfectant for tools.

Checklist

Disinfect tools, prune after flowering, remove dead/diseased wood, shape evenly, clean up debris.

Repotting Guide
Best Season

Early spring before new growth begins.

Pot Size

Increase pot size by 2–3 inches in diameter; ensure good drainage holes.

Method

Remove plant gently, trim roots if necessary, place in new pot with fresh soil, water thoroughly, avoid direct sun for a few days.

Suggestions

Repot every 2–3 years or when roots fill the pot; beneficial for container-grown plants to refresh soil and provide space.

Checklist

Choose appropriate pot, prepare new soil mix, water plant before repotting, trim roots if needed, place in new pot, water gently, acclimate slowly.

Advanced Care Tips

Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist

Check soil moisture, water deeply, ensure drainage, avoid wetting foliage, adjust for season.

How to Apply Water Properly

Water at the base of the plant, ensuring moisture reaches the root zone; water early in the day to minimize evaporation and fungal growth; ensure excess water drains away to prevent waterlogging.

Pro Tip: Use a soaker hose or drip irrigation for even moisture distribution and reduced water waste.
Watering Schedule Tips

Water deeply once the top inch of soil feels dry; reduce frequency in winter to prevent root rot.

Soil Improvement

Add compost or well-rotted manure for fertility; mix in perlite or sand for drainage; ensure good aeration by avoiding compacted soil.

Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues

Leaf drop, wilting, yellowing, or stunted growth in extreme heat or cold.

Cold Stress

Leaves may turn brown or drop; growth slows or halts; risk of frost damage in freezing temperatures.

Solution: Provide winter protection with mulch; move potted plants indoors or to a sheltered location; avoid planting in frost-prone areas.

Hot Stress

Wilting, leaf scorch, reduced flowering, or leaf drop due to excessive heat and dryness.

Solution: Increase watering frequency, provide afternoon shade, use mulch to retain soil moisture, ensure good air circulation.

Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist

Choose appropriate fertilizer, apply at correct dilution, water before and after, avoid contact with roots, follow seasonal schedule.

Fertilizing Method

Use balanced, slow-release fertilizer in spring; dilute liquid fertilizer to half-strength monthly during growing season; avoid fertilizing in winter.

Common Problems & Solutions

Yellowing leaves in Escallonia rubra may indicate nutrient deficiencies, overwatering, or pest infestations, affecting the plant's photosynthetic efficiency and overall health.

Wilting in Escallonia rubra can result from water stress, either due to under or overwatering, or root damage, leading to reduced turgor pressure and impaired nutrient uptake.

Leaf spots on Escallonia rubra may be caused by fungal or bacterial pathogens, leading to reduced photosynthesis, premature leaf drop, and weakened plant vigor.

Rotting, particularly root or stem rot, in Escallonia rubra is often caused by excessive moisture and poor drainage, leading to decay of plant tissues and potential death of the plant.

Toxicity Warning

Cats
Non-toxic

Escallonia rubra is not considered toxic to cats. There are no known toxic effects or physiological impacts associated with ingestion or contact with this plant.

⚠️ Symptoms:
none
🌿 Toxic Parts:
none
⚡ Toxic If:

if eaten

This plant is generally safe for cats, though excessive ingestion of any plant material should be avoided.
Dogs
Non-toxic

Escallonia rubra is not considered toxic to dogs. There are no known toxic effects or physiological impacts associated with ingestion or contact with this plant.

⚠️ Symptoms:
none
🌿 Toxic Parts:
none
⚡ Toxic If:

if eaten

This plant is generally safe for dogs, though excessive ingestion of any plant material should be avoided.
Humans
Non-toxic

Escallonia rubra is not considered toxic to humans. There are no known toxic effects or physiological impacts associated with ingestion or contact with this plant.

⚠️ Symptoms:
none
🌿 Toxic Parts:
none
⚡ Toxic If:

if eaten

This plant is generally safe for human handling and consumption, though excessive ingestion of any plant material is not recommended.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How often should Escallonia rubra be watered?

A: Water moderately, allowing the soil to dry slightly between waterings.

Q: Does Escallonia rubra attract wildlife?

A: Yes, it attracts bees, butterflies, and birds due to its nectar-rich flowers.

Q: Is Escallonia rubra suitable for coastal gardens?

A: Yes, it is salt-tolerant and performs well in coastal conditions.

Quick Reference
Family: Escalloniaceae
Care: moderate
Light: full sun to partial shade
Water: every 7–10 days during activ
Suitable For: ["outdoor landscapers","collectors/enthusiasts","wildlife supporters (attracts bees, butterflies, birds)"]
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