Escallonia Red Dream

Why Buy Me?

• Compact and hardy
• Drought tolerant
• Lovely coloured flowers

Growing Conditions

Light: Prefers full sun to maximize flowering and maintain compact growth; tolerates light shade but may bloom less heavily.

Soil: Grows best in well-drained, moderately fertile soil; suitable for sandy, loamy, or slightly acidic conditions. Avoid poorly drained or heavy clay soils.

Exposure: Tolerates coastal conditions and salt-laden winds; performs well in sheltered to moderately exposed sites.

Drought Tolerance: Moderate to high once established; water during extended dry periods, especially during the first year.

Cultivation & Care

Planting Time: Best planted in spring or early autumn for optimal root establishment before extreme heat or cold.

Spacing: Space 60–90 cm (2–3 feet) apart; naturally low and spreading, making it ideal for compact spaces or groundcover.

Watering: Water regularly during establishment; drought-tolerant once mature, but benefits from occasional deep watering in hot, dry weather.

Fertilization: Light feeding with a balanced fertilizer in spring can support growth; generally not nutrient-demanding.

Mulching: Apply organic mulch in spring to retain moisture and suppress weeds; keep mulch clear of stems.

Pruning: Lightly prune after flowering to maintain shape and encourage dense growth. Can be pruned more heavily in early spring if necessary.

Propagation: Propagate from semi-ripe cuttings in summer.

Seasonal Interest

Spring: Glossy, dark green evergreen foliage adds year-round structure; flower buds begin to develop.

Summer: Clusters of small, vibrant red to deep pink bell-shaped flowers bloom from early to late summer, providing long-lasting seasonal colour.

Autumn: May produce a light second flush of flowers in mild conditions; foliage remains evergreen.

Winter: Dense, glossy foliage offers winter interest and a neat, tidy form in the landscape.

Wildlife & Garden Use

Wildlife: A valuable nectar source for bees and butterflies throughout the flowering season.

Garden Use: Excellent for low hedging, groundcover, rock gardens, coastal landscapes, containers, and mixed borders. Especially effective in small gardens or mass plantings.

Companion Plants: Works well with sun-loving, drought-tolerant species like lavender, hebe, salvia, thyme, and ornamental grasses such as Stipa tenuissima.