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How to Grow and Care for Escallonia Rubra Macrantha
Escallonia rubra macrantha is a hardy evergreen flowering shrub also known as Escallonia sanguine but commonly referred to as Chilean gum box. It possesses small shiny dark green leaves and masses of pretty bell-shaped flowers that bloom early in spring.
Escallonia rubra macrantha Plant
The flowers range from pink to reddish pink and continue to bloom throughout summer and possibly, early autumn. In 20 years, it attains a height of 26 feet and spreads 13 to 28 feet. Escallonia rubra macrantha is ideally planted as a hedging plant or grown in containers to be placed at appropriate sites. It is best planted between spring and autumn and should only be watered occasionally.
How much fertiliser does Escallonia rubra macrantha need?
It doesn’t require much fertilising but applying an all-purpose fertiliser every week during its flowering period will boost its growth. After fertilising, remember to water the plant’s base thoroughly.
Does Escallonia rubra macrantha need pruning?
Escallonia rubra macrantha has a bushy growth habit so it needs pruning to keep it looking nice. This can be done once or twice a year after the flowering period.
Maintaining this shrub also includes inspecting the leaves regularly. They may be affected by escallonia leaf spot which is a fungal disease that is specific to escallonias. Once you detect these purplish-black spots, you must take out the affected leaves and apply an effective fungicide to avoid reinfection.
Where should I position escallonia rubra macrantha in my garden?
Escallonia rubra macrantha can be placed in an exposed area or sheltered location where it is protected from cold winds either facing east, west or south. It will grow properly in either full sun or partial shade.
What kind of soil does escallonia rubra macrantha need?
Escallonia rubra macrantha can be planted in clay, sandy or loamy soil that is moist and free draining. The pH of the soil must range from acidic to neutral.
How to propagate Escallonia rubra macrantha?
Escallonia rubra macrantha can be propagated using semi-ripe cuttings of about 14cm taken with a sharp knife in late summer.
