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Common Name: Escallonia

General Information

Escallonia rubra macrantha is an evergreen shrub that can grow up to 3.50 metres tall.
An ornamental shrub, it is sometimes used as a hedge.

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

, ,

Range

S. America. - Chile. Plants occasionally self-sow in Ireland[].

Habitat

Not known

Properties

Habit	Evergreen Shrub
Height	3.50 m
Growth Rate	Fast
Cultivation Status	Wild

Cultivation Details

Prefers an open sunny position and a soil that is not too rich, an ordinary sandy loam will suffice[]. Succeeds in dry soils. Tolerates lime[]. A fast-growing plant, it is very tolerant of maritime exposure[].
A polymorphic species, there are some named varieties.
This species is only hardy in the milder areas of Britain, tolerating temperatures down to about -10°c[].
Plants resent root disturbance and should be placed in their final positions as soon as possible[].
The leaves and the flowers have a pungent smell[].

Edible Uses

None known

Medicinal

None known

Other Uses

Very tolerant of extreme maritime exposure, making a very good windbreak hedge[]. Tolerant of regular and severe pruning, it can regenerate from the base if cut back by frost[].

Propagation

Seed - we have no details on this plant but suggest sowing the seed in early spring in a cold frame. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and grow them on in the greenhouse for at least their first winter. Plant them out into their permanent positions in late spring or early summer, after the last expected frosts.
Cuttings of half-ripe wood, mid summer in a frame. Either put the cuttings in individual pots or pot them up as soon as they start to root. Easy[].
Cuttings of mature wood in winter. Very easy, just plant the cuttings direct into their final positions, about 95% usually take[, ]. Keep them moist in a dry spring.