Description
Escallonia ‘Red Elf’. Escallonia ‘Red Elf’ is a compact evergreen shrub known for its vibrant red flowers and glossy green foliage.
Flowers: The most distinctive feature of Escallonia ‘Red Elf’ is its profusion of small, bell-shaped, red flowers which appear in late spring – summer. These blooms appear in clusters, creating a stunning visual impact and attracting pollinators like bees and butterflies.
- Foliage: The glossy, dark green leaves of ‘Red Elf’ provide an attractive backdrop to the bright red flowers. The foliage is dense, contributing to the shrub’s full and well-rounded appearance.
- Form and Size: This cultivar has a compact and bushy growth habit, making it ideal for hedges, borders, or as a standalone ornamental plant. It typically reaches a height and width of around 1m, making it suitable for smaller gardens or confined spaces.
- Adaptability: Thrives in well-drained soils and prefers full sunlight, but it can tolerate partial shade.
Cultural Uses in New Zealand: Escallonia ‘Red Elf’ is well-suited for landscaping and garden design in New Zealand due to its adaptability and visual appeal. Here are some common uses in the New Zealand context:
- Garden Borders: ‘Red Elf’ can be used to create colorful and low-maintenance garden borders. Its compact size is suitable for defining spaces and adding a touch of elegance to garden layouts.
- Hedging: Given its dense growth habit, Escallonia ‘Red Elf’ is an excellent choice for creating formal or informal hedges. It provides privacy and adds a burst of color to outdoor spaces.
- Container Planting: The compact nature of this cultivar makes it suitable for container planting on patios, balconies, or other outdoor spaces. It brings a splash of color to urban gardens or smaller living areas.
Supplied plants are in 5cm wide pots and average one year in age.
