shrub

White Escallonia

Escallonia x iveyi 'Iveyi'

The Story

Plant Bio

Escallonia is a genus of vigorous evergreen shrubs native to South America, valued for their glossy foliage and high tolerance for coastal wind and salt spray. These plants typically produce terminal clusters of small, tubular flowers that attract bees and other beneficial pollinators throughout the warmer months.

'Iveyi' is a robust cultivar distinguished by its large, deep green, leathery leaves with finely serrated margins and an upright, rounded growth habit. During summer and fall, it bears large terminal panicles of fragrant, pure snow-white, bell-shaped flowers.

Uses & Benefits:

Features large, glossy, dark green evergreen foliage and fragrant, pure white flower clusters that bloom from summer into fall.

Serves as an excellent windbreak or dense hedge due to its high tolerance for coastal salt spray and strong winds.

Provides a valuable nectar source for bees, butterflies, and other beneficial garden pollinators.

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Shrub

Height

118"

Width

118"

Light

Full Sun, Partial Sun

Zones

8, 9, 10

Water

Low to moderate

Humidity

Low

Lifespan

Long-lived

Native To

South America (parents)

Toxicity

Non-toxic

Bloom period

Summer – Fall

In flower about 6 months of the year

Planting

How to Grow

Select a planting site in full sun to partial shade with highly permeable, well-draining soil.
Dig a hole twice as wide as the root ball and amend heavy soils with organic matter to ensure adequate drainage.
Set the plant at the same depth as it was in the container, backfill, and water thoroughly to settle the soil.
Apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring and maintain moderate watering until the root system is fully established.

Pro Tip

Plant in a location with sharp drainage and cool-to-temperate airflow; growing this cultivar in heavy, unamended clay or high-humidity subtropical regions triggers rapid root rot and severe leaf drop.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Prune annually after flowering to maintain a dense, bushy shape.
Ensure the soil drains rapidly to prevent root rot.
Wear gloves when handling the foliage if you have sensitive skin.

Don't

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.

Seasonal Care Calendar

Task	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Fertilize
Pest Check
Propagate
Prune

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

HedgePrivacy ScreenCoastal GardenWindbreakSpecimen Plant

Companion Plants

Salvia Lavandula angustifolia Cistus

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

White Escallonia questions

What zones can White Escallonia grow in?

White Escallonia is hardy in USDA Zones 8–10. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.

Is White Escallonia deer resistant?

Yes — White Escallonia is rated deer-resistant. Deer typically pass it over, though extreme hunger can override any plant's defenses.

When does White Escallonia bloom?

White Escallonia typically blooms in summer through fall. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.

Does White Escallonia need full sun?

White Escallonia does best in full sun to part shade. In hot climates, afternoon shade keeps blooms fresher longer.

Is White Escallonia drought tolerant?

Yes — once established (usually after the first full season), White Escallonia handles dry spells with minimal watering. Water deeply its first year to build the root system that makes that possible.