Escallonia rubra macrantha

Escallonia rubra macrantha Care Guide

Introduction:

Escallonia rubra macrantha is a stunning evergreen shrub known for its vibrant, glossy foliage and showy clusters of pink flowers. With its vigorous growth and tolerance to various growing conditions, this versatile plant is an excellent choice for hedges, borders, and coastal gardens. Below is a comprehensive care guide to help you cultivate and care for Escallonia rubra macrantha in your garden:

1. Sunlight:

• Full Sun to Partial Shade: Plant Escallonia rubra macrantha in a location that receives full sun to partial shade. While it can tolerate some shade, it generally thrives best in full sun, which promotes optimal flowering and dense foliage.

2. Soil:

• Well-Draining Soil: Choose a well-draining soil with a loamy or sandy texture. Escallonia rubra macrantha prefers soil that is fertile, moist, and slightly acidic to neutral. Ensure good drainage to prevent waterlogged conditions, which can lead to root rot.

3. Watering:

• Regular Watering: Keep the soil consistently moist, especially during the plant's establishment period and dry spells. Water deeply when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch. Once established, Escallonia rubra macrantha is relatively drought-tolerant but appreciates occasional deep watering during prolonged dry periods.

4. Mulching:

• Mulch Application: Apply a layer of organic mulch, such as shredded bark or compost, around the base of the plant to conserve moisture, suppress weed growth, and regulate soil temperature. Mulching also helps to maintain soil moisture levels and protect the roots from temperature fluctuations.

5. Fertilizing:

• Moderate Feeding: Apply a balanced fertilizer formulated for flowering shrubs in spring, just before new growth begins. Repeat the fertilizer application once or twice during the growing season to promote healthy foliage and abundant flowering. Avoid over-fertilization, as excessive nutrients can lead to leggy growth and reduced flowering.

6. Pruning:

• Regular Pruning: Prune Escallonia rubra macrantha after flowering to maintain a compact shape and encourage bushy growth. Remove any dead, damaged, or crossing branches, as well as spent flower clusters. Lightly trim the foliage to shape the shrub and promote airflow.

7. Support:

• Wind Protection: Provide wind protection for young Escallonia rubra macrantha plants, especially in exposed coastal areas where strong winds are common. Erect windbreaks or plant taller shrubs nearby to shield the plants from harsh winds and prevent damage to the foliage.

8. Pest and Disease Management:

• Watch for Pests: Monitor the plant regularly for common pests such as aphids, scale insects, and spider mites. Treat any pest infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or horticultural oil. Remove and destroy any heavily infested foliage to prevent the spread of pests.
• Prevent Diseases: Ensure good air circulation around the plant by avoiding overcrowding and maintaining proper spacing between shrubs. Avoid overhead watering, as wet foliage can promote fungal diseases such as powdery mildew and leaf spot. If necessary, treat fungal infections with fungicides labeled for use on ornamental shrubs.

9. Winter Care:

• Cold Hardiness: Escallonia rubra macrantha is generally hardy in USDA zones 7-10 and can withstand mild frosts and temperatures down to around 10°F (-12°C). In colder climates, provide winter protection by mulching around the base of the plant and wrapping the shrub with burlap or frost cloth during extreme cold spells.

10. Propagation:

• Softwood Cuttings: Propagate Escallonia rubra macrantha from softwood cuttings taken in late spring or early summer. Select healthy, non-flowering shoots and cut 4-6 inch (10-15 cm) sections just below a leaf node. Remove the lower leaves, dip the cut end in rooting hormone, and plant the cuttings in a well-draining rooting medium. Keep the cuttings consistently moist and provide bottom heat if possible to encourage root development.

By following these care guidelines, you can cultivate healthy and thriving Escallonia rubra macrantha shrubs that will enhance the beauty of your landscape with their colorful foliage and abundant flowers. With proper care and maintenance, Escallonia rubra macrantha is sure to become a valued addition to your garden for years to come

We currently only deliver within the island of Ireland, other countries can be quoted for by contacting [email protected] or via telephone on 06964084
 

Standard Delivery is FREE on orders over €250*

All standard deliveries will be completed within 5-7 working days via Fastway Couriers, any delay to this delivery time, the customer will be notified by One of our staff.

The in-Store delivery charge will vary compared with online, in-store delivery charge is done on a case by case basis. 

* Only mainland Ireland addresses qualify for free delivery.
 

Live Plants Delivery

Our live plants are packed with care and diligence by our staff, our horticulturists review each plant before despatch to ensure quality is maintained.
Live Plant delivery charges are not calculated on weight but on the space required per package to ensure safe delivery, so delivery charges may vary as some plants require more space than others when packed.
All live plants are despatched within 3-5 working days where possible, our couriers aim to deliver within 48 hours of despatch from our Garden Centre to allow the plant to arrive in healthy condition.
 

Click & Collect

Can’t wait for delivery? Why not try our FREE Click & Collect service? Simply make your purchase online and collect it from our store located in Croagh Co. Limerick. Our staff will contact you by phone when your order is ready for collection (Please allow 24 hours minimum). When collecting your item, call the store on 069-64084. We will then load into your car as required. This service is available in-store 9am – 6pm Monday – Saturday (No collections on Sundays)

Click here for more information about our shipping conditions.

You can pay your online order either by credit card or via Paypal.
If you have any further questions about the online order payment please contact us via ­069 640 84 or mail.