4 saves
Escallonia
We track 6 varieties; the ones most used by real gardeners.
The 6 most-saved Escallonia varieties
2 species of Escallonia
Each one is a parent of the varieties above.
Track your Escallonia in Sow
Save the Escallonia you grow and get care reminders timed to your zone.
How to grow Escallonia
Whats common across all Escallonia varieties in our catalog — drawn from the care records of the 6 most-grown of them.
The Escallonia year
- PruneAugust and September100% of varieties
Prune right after flowering finishes in late fall to maintain shape and encourage fresh growth.
- FertilizeMarch and April100% of varieties
Apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer to support spring growth.
- Check for PestsMay–July100% of varieties
Inspect foliage for aphids, scale, and spider mites during hot, dry periods.
- PropagateJuly–September67% of varieties
Take semi-mature wood cuttings from the current season's growth.
- MulchNovember33% of varieties
Apply a layer of organic mulch to conserve moisture, keeping it away from the main stem.
Do
- Ensure the soil drains rapidly to prevent root rot.
- Prune annually after flowering to maintain a dense, bushy shape.
- Wear gloves when handling the foliage if you have sensitive skin.
- Prune lightly immediately after the summer flowering period to shape the shrub.
- Apply a light application of balanced slow-release fertilizer in spring.
Avoid
- Do not plant in low-lying, waterlogged areas or heavy, unamended clay.
- Avoid growing in highly humid, subtropical climates where the plant performs poorly.
- Do not overwater once the root system is established.
- Do not prune deeply into old, bare wood as it will not regenerate.
What goes wrong with Escallonia
| Problem | What you'll see | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Aphids | Curled leaves and sticky honeydew secretion on new growth. | Apply a strong jet of water or insecticidal soap to the foliage. |
| Scale insects | Raised bumps on stems and leaves causing yellowing or dieback. | Apply horticultural oil during the dormant season or use systemic insecticides. |
| Spider mites | Fine stippling and webbing on foliage under hot, dry conditions. | Spray with miticides or apply strong water blasts to the undersides of leaves. |
| Scale Insects | Small, hard, shell-like bumps on the stems and leaf undersides, leading to localized yellowing. | Prune out heavily infested branches or apply horticultural oil during the dormant season. |
| Escallonia leaf spot | Dark, circular spots on leaves leading to premature yellowing and leaf drop. | Improve air circulation, avoid overhead watering, and remove fallen debris. |
| Root rot | Wilting, yellowing foliage and dieback caused by waterlogged soil. | Ensure excellent soil drainage and avoid overwatering; discard severely infected plants. |
| Powdery mildew | White powdery coating on leaves during humid spells. | Ensure good air circulation and apply sulfur-based fungicides. |
Making more Escallonia
Semi-ripe cuttings
- Take 4-to-6-inch semi-ripe stem cuttings in mid to late summer.
- Remove the lower leaves and dip the cut end in rooting hormone.
- Insert the cuttings into a well-drained potting mix of peat and perlite.
- Keep the medium moist and place in a warm, bright location out of direct sun until roots form.
Semi-hardwood cuttings
- Take 4-inch cuttings from semi-hardwood stems in late summer.
- Remove the lower leaves and dip the cut end in rooting hormone.
- Insert the cuttings into a well-draining mix of perlite and peat.
- Keep the medium moist and place in a warm, bright location out of direct sun until roots form.
Escallonia questions
How many types of Escallonia are there?
The Sow catalog tracks 6 distinct Escallonia varieties. The most popular — ranked by 4 real gardeners — are shown first above.
What zones does Escallonia grow in?
Across its varieties, Escallonia covers USDA Zones 7–10. Individual varieties differ — each plant page lists its exact range, and Sow filters the catalog to your zone automatically.
When does Escallonia bloom?
Most Escallonia varieties bloom in late spring, summer, spring. Staggering early, mid, and late varieties extends the genus's season in one bed.
Which Escallonia should I choose?
Start from the most-saved varieties above — popularity across thousands of gardens is a strong signal of reliability — then filter by your zone and sun. In the Sow app you can preview any of them in a photo of your actual yard before you buy.