Contents
Description
Escallonia Edinensis, commonly known as the Edinburgh Escallonia, is a hardy evergreen shrub that is native to South America. It has been widely cultivated as an ornamental plant in many regions of the world, including Europe, Asia, and North America.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Escalloniales |
| Family | Grossulariaceae |
| Genus | Escallonia |
Appearance
Escallonia Edinensis is a dense, bushy shrub that can grow up to 6 feet tall and wide. It has glossy, dark green leaves that are elliptical in shape and measure up to 2 inches in length. The shrub produces clusters of small, tubular flowers that are pink to red in color and bloom in late summer and early fall. The flowers are highly fragrant and attract bees and butterflies to the garden.
Care Guide
Escallonia Edinensis is a relatively low-maintenance plant that is easy to care for. Here are some tips for keeping your Edinburgh Escallonia healthy and thriving:
- Water: Water your plant regularly during the growing season, but be careful not to overwater. Allow the top inch of soil to dry out before watering again.
- Fertilization: Fertilize your plant once in the spring and again in the fall with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer.
- Soil: Escallonia Edinensis prefers well-draining soil that is slightly acidic. If your soil is heavy, amend it with organic matter to improve drainage.
- Sunlight: This plant needs full sun to thrive, so make sure it is planted in a spot that receives at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day.
- Hardiness Zones: Escallonia Edinensis is hardy in USDA zones 7-10.
Common Pests & Diseases
Escallonia Edinensis is generally a healthy plant that is not prone to many pests or diseases. However, it can be susceptible to the following problems:
- Leaf spot: This fungal disease causes brown spots on the leaves. Remove infected leaves and treat with a fungicide if necessary.
- Scale insects: These small, oval-shaped insects can infest the plant and cause yellowing leaves. Treat with an insecticidal soap or oil.
- Aphids: These small, soft-bodied insects can cause distorted growth and yellowing leaves. Treat with an insecticidal soap or oil.
Habitat
Escallonia Edinensis is native to the coastal regions of Chile and Argentina, where it grows in rocky, well-draining soil. It is often found growing in coastal hedgerows, and is tolerant of salt spray and windy conditions.
Question and Answer
Q: Can Escallonia Edinensis tolerate frost?
A: Escallonia Edinensis is hardy in USDA zones 7-10, which means it can tolerate some frost. However, it may suffer damage if exposed to prolonged periods of freezing temperatures.
Q: How often should I prune my Escallonia Edinensis?
A: Prune your Edinburgh Escallonia in the spring after it has finished flowering. You can remove up to one-third of the plant’s growth at this time.
Q: Can Escallonia Edinensis be grown in containers?
A: Yes, Escallonia Edinensis can be grown in containers as long as the container is large enough to accommodate the plant’s root system and is filled with well-draining soil.
Q: How often should I fertilize my Escallonia Edinensis?
A: Fertilize your Edinburgh Escallonia once in the spring and again in the fall with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer.
Related Plants
- Escallonia Apple Blossom
- Escallonia Gold Brian
- Escallonia Iveyi
- Escallonia Red Dream
- Escallonia Rubra
References
- “Escallonia Edinensis.” Royal Horticultural Society, https://www.rhs.org.uk/Plants/8928/i-Escallonia-edinensis-i/Details. Accessed 15 June 2021.
- “Escallonia Edinensis.” Missouri Botanical Garden, http://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?taxonid=287029&isprofile=0&. Accessed 15 June 2021.
- “Escallonia Edinensis – Edinburgh Escallonia.” Gardening Know How, https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/shrubs/escallonia/edinburgh-escallonia-care.htm. Accessed 15 June 2021.
