Escallonia rubra Crimson Spire

Escallonia rubra Crimson Spire

Why Buy Me?

• Compact and hardy
• Can be used as a hedge
• Lovely coloured flowers

Growing Conditions

Light: Requires full sun for best flowering and dense, upright growth; tolerates light shade, though flowering may be reduced.

Soil: Prefers well-drained, moderately fertile soil. Tolerant of sandy or loamy soils and slightly acidic to neutral pH. Avoid heavy or waterlogged soils.

Exposure: Hardy and wind-tolerant; excellent for exposed and coastal locations due to its salt and wind resistance.

Drought Tolerance: High once established; ideal for low-maintenance and drought-prone gardens.

Cultivation & Care

Planting Time: Plant in spring or early autumn to give roots time to establish before extreme temperatures.

Spacing: Space 1.2–1.5 metres (4–5 feet) apart if using for hedging or screens; allow adequate room for natural upright spread.

Watering: Water regularly during the first growing season; afterward, water only during prolonged dry periods.

Fertilization: Feed with a balanced fertilizer in early spring if needed; generally performs well without heavy feeding.

Mulching: Apply mulch in spring to retain moisture and suppress weeds; keep mulch away from base of stems.

Pruning: Prune lightly after flowering to shape and encourage bushy growth. Can be pruned harder in spring to control size or rejuvenate.

Propagation: Propagate from semi-ripe cuttings in summer for reliable results.

Seasonal Interest

Spring: Evergreen foliage begins to flush; flower buds start to form.

Summer: Profuse deep crimson-red, tubular flowers bloom from early to mid-summer, with repeat blooms often continuing into early autumn.

Autumn: Occasional late flowering in mild climates; foliage remains vibrant and evergreen.

Winter: Evergreen; upright, dense structure and glossy green leaves provide strong winter form and year-round interest.

Wildlife & Garden Use

Wildlife: Flowers attract bees, butterflies, and other pollinators; dense habit may provide nesting cover for small birds.

Garden Use: Ideal for informal hedges, screens, mixed borders, coastal gardens, and windbreaks. Excellent for adding vertical structure to sunny borders.

Companion Plants: Pairs well with hardy sun-lovers like rosemary, cistus, pittosporum, hebes, and ornamental grasses such as Miscanthus or Calamagrostis.

Transform your home and garden with Escallonia rubra Crimson Spire —a must-have for any season. Order online now for quick and easy shopping, or drop by your local Thompson's Branch to explore it up close and get personalised recommendations.