Botanical family: Escalloniaceae

Escallonia bifida, Escallonia montevidensis

Escallonia bifida is an evergreen shrub or small tree native to South America. It can grow up to 12 feet tall and its leaves are dotted with glands and may have a sticky texture. Its white or off-white flowers are strongly fragrant and attract butterflies and hummingbirds.

Grow Escallonia bifida in full sun or semi-shade with moderate water. It is best suited for USDA plant hardiness zone 9-11 and prefers warm temperatures.

When growing Escallonia bifida in cold regions, it is best to a pot. Ensure it is in a well-drained pot with a soil-based potting mix. Water it regularly to keep the soil evenly moist and feed it with a balanced fertilizer during the growth period. To protect the plant in colder temperatures, place the pot in a sheltered area.

Escallonia bifida is a great addition to any garden. Its ability to attract butterflies and hummingbirds make it a must-have plant for garden enthusiasts.

Escallonia sp.

USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map

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As a large shrub, it can grow 5 to 10 ft tall and as a small tree, it can achieve a height of 10 to 20 ft. These attractive, evergreen plants can be found in the warm temperate and tropical regions of South America.

Escallonia sp. is a sun-loving plant and can be grown in full sun to semi-shade light. It is best to provide regular water, however the plants can also tolerate moderate water. Escallonia produces pink, white, off-white, and red or crimson vinous flowers which bloom in the summer and attract butterflies and hummingbirds.

Grown in USDA Zones 8 to 9, Escallonia is a relatively easy to care for. The mature plants can also be cold hardy at least to 30s F for a short time and are also salt and seaside tolerant. For those living in cold regions, Escallonia can be grown in pots indoors. The pot should be kept in a sunny spot and the plant should be watered and about two to three times a week. Also, the plant should be moved indoors during the winter months to protect it from the cold temperatures. In addition, the plants should be pruned twice a year to keep the shape and encourage new growth.

With its vibrant flowers and attractive foliage and the ability to be cold hardy, Escallonia is an ideal choice for gardens, planters, and hedges.

Polyosma integrifolia