Description
Escallonia ‘Macrantha’ is a popular evergreen shrub known for its vibrant and attractive flowers and leaves.
Botanical Characteristics:
- Scientific Name: Escallonia ‘Macrantha’
- Family: Escalloniaceae
- Origin: Native to South America
- Habit: Evergreen shrub with a dense, bushy growth habit
- Size: Typically grows 2-3 meters in height
- Leaves: Dark green, glossy, and serrated, providing an aesthetically pleasing backdrop to the vibrant flowers. Has bigger leaves and flowers than some of the other escallonia varieties.
Floral Display:
- Flowers: Showcases clusters of tubular, bell-shaped flowers in shades of pink to red
- Blooming Period: Spring and early summer
- Fragrance: Sweet and pleasant, attracting pollinators such as bees and butterflies
Adaptability to New Zealand Climate: Escallonia ‘Macrantha’ has proven to be well-suited for the diverse climates of New Zealand. It thrives in both coastal and inland regions, tolerating a range of temperatures. The plant is resilient to wind exposure, making it a popular choice for gardens along the coast. It adapts well to various soil types but prefers well-drained soil. Evergreen and hardy.
Landscaping and Garden Use:
- Hedging: Escallonia ‘Macrantha’ is often utilized for creating hedges due to its dense foliage and ability to be pruned into desired shapes.
- Ornamental Borders: The vibrant flowers and glossy leaves make it an excellent choice for ornamental borders in gardens and parks.
- Wildlife Attraction: The sweet fragrance of the flowers attracts pollinators.
Maintenance:
- Pruning: Regular pruning helps maintain a neat and compact shape. This plant responds well to pruning and can be shaped to fit specific landscape designs.
- Watering: While it is adaptable to different moisture levels, consistent watering during dry periods is recommended, especially for young plants.
Disease Resistance: Escallonia ‘Macrantha’ exhibits good resistance to common pests and diseases. Proper care and maintenance contribute to its overall health and vigor.
Supplied plants are in 5cm pots and average one year in age.
