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Redclaws (Escallonia rubra)

Escallonia rubra is an evergreen shrub with glossy dark green leaves and deep pink to red flowers from late spring to late summer. Hardy, medium-to-fast growing, ideal fo

Above information is sourced from Wikipedia

Sunlight

Full sun to partial shade.

Watering

Moderate to regular, drought tolerant once established.

Soil

Well-drained, fertile, adaptable to various types.

Temperature

Tolerates mild to warm, hardy to -10°C.

Habitat

Outdoor

Fertilizer

Annually in spring.

Care Requirements

Light

Full sun to partial shade.

Water

Moderate to regular, drought tolerant once established.

Soil

Well-drained, fertile, adaptable to various types.

Temperature

Tolerates mild to warm, hardy to -10°C.

Habitat

Outdoor

Fertilizer

Annually in spring.

Plant Overview

Plant Type

Shrub

Plant Category

Flowering, Ornamental

Plant Place Type

Ground, Garden, Pot

Plant Environment

Outdoor

Lifespan

Perennials

Plant Height

1.5-3 m

Spread

1.5-3 m

Growth Rate

Medium to Fast

Dormancy

Evergreen

Leaf Color

Dark Green

Leaf Type

Simple, Ovate to Obovate

Flower Size

1-2 cm

Optimal Sunlight Lux

50000

Image Gallery

Flowering & Fruiting Cycles

Monthly activity intensity for bloom and fruit across both hemispheres.

Northern hemisphere

Flowering & fruiting calendar

Peak bloom · JulPeak fruit · Aug
FloweringFruiting
02468JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDecActivity intensityMonths85
Southern hemisphere

Flowering & fruiting calendar

Peak bloom · JunPeak fruit · Jul
FloweringFruiting
02468JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDecActivity intensityMonths85
Synonyms
Stereoxylon rubrum Ruiz & Pav.
Taxonomy
  • kingdomPlantae
  • divisionTracheophyta
  • classMagnoliopsida
  • orderEscalloniales
  • familyEscalloniaceae
  • genusEscallonia
  • speciesEscallonia rubra
Toxicity

Toxic for humans

No

Rating: 0/5

Toxic for pets

No

Rating: 0/5

Edible

No

Additional Care Tips

Provide regular watering, especially during dry periods and for newly planted specimens, to ensure establishment. Once mature, Escallonia rubra is relatively drought-tolerant but benefits from occasional deep watering in prolonged dry spells. Avoid waterlogging, which can lead to root rot.

Prune Escallonia rubra after flowering, typically in late summer or early autumn, to maintain shape, remove spent flowers, and encourage new growth. Light trimming can be done to tidy the plant. For rejuvenation, older, overgrown shrubs can be hard pruned in early spring, though this may reduce flowering for that season.

Escallonia rubra can be propagated by semi-hardwood cuttings taken in late summer or early autumn. Cuttings should be about 10-15 cm long, stripped of lower leaves, and dipped in rooting hormone before planting in a well-drained propagating mix. Keep moist and warm until roots develop.

For container-grown Escallonia rubra, repot every 2-3 years in spring into a slightly larger pot with fresh, well-draining potting mix. If the plant has reached its desired size, root prune and refresh the soil in the same pot. Ensure the new pot has adequate drainage holes to prevent waterlogging.

FAQs

How often should I water Escallonia rubra?

Water regularly during its establishment phase and dry periods. Once mature, it is relatively drought-tolerant but benefits from occasional deep watering in prolonged dry spells. Ensure good drainage to prevent root rot.

What are the ideal light conditions for Escallonia rubra?

Escallonia rubra thrives in full sun to partial shade. Full sun encourages the best flowering, but it can tolerate some afternoon shade, especially in hotter climates.

When is the best time to prune Escallonia rubra?

The best time to prune Escallonia rubra is after it finishes flowering, typically in late summer or early autumn. This allows new growth to harden before winter and ensures good flowering the following season.

Is Escallonia rubra suitable for hedges?

Yes, Escallonia rubra is an excellent choice for hedges due to its dense, evergreen foliage, medium growth rate, and attractive flowers. It can be trimmed to maintain a formal or informal hedge.

Is Escallonia rubra toxic to pets or humans?

No, Escallonia rubra is generally considered non-toxic to both pets and humans. It is not listed as a toxic plant by major veterinary or horticultural organizations.