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Escallonia 'Newport Dwarf' (Newport Dwarf Escallonia)
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Broadleaf Evergreen Shrubs

Escallonia 'Newport Dwarf'

Newport Dwarf Escallonia

Escalloniaceae
Hybrid of garden origin from South American species

At a Glance

TypeShrub
HabitMounding
FoliageEvergreen
Height2-3 feet (60-90 cm)
Width3-4 feet (90-120 cm)
Maturity3 years

Growing Zones

USDA Hardiness Zones

7 - 10
Zone 7Zone 8Zone 9Zone 10
These zones indicate the coldest temperatures this plant can typically survive.
What's my zone? →
Frost Tolerancehardy

Key Features

Attracts PollinatorsDeer ResistantDrought TolerantContainer Friendly
Maintenancelow

Overview

Escallonia 'Newport Dwarf' is a compact, mounding to spreading, dense, evergreen shrub reaching 2–3 feet (60–90 cm) tall with a spread of 3–4 feet (90–120 cm). This cultivar is the most compact escallonia available—less than half the height of 'Apple Blossom' (5–8 feet / 1.5–2.4 m). The flowers are small, tubular, 0.4 inch (1 cm) long, in rose-pink to medium pink, borne in short terminal clusters from June through August. Flowering is lighter than the larger cultivars. The leaves are small, glossy, dark green, oval, 0.5–1 inch (1–2.5 cm) long—the smallest leaves in the escallonia collection, proportional to the compact habit. The dense, mounding form creates a low, glossy evergreen mass. Growth rate is slow to moderate. Tolerates wind and coastal conditions. Hardy to zone 7.

Native Range

Escallonia 'Newport Dwarf' is a hybrid cultivar of garden origin from South American species. Selected for compact, dwarf habit.

Suggested Uses

Planted as a low hedge, edging, or groundcover at 2–3 foot (60–90 cm) spacing. The compact size suits small gardens, containers of at least 5 gallons (19 L), foundation plantings, and positions where larger escallonias are too big. Functions as a low, glossy evergreen border along pathways. The dwarf habit fills the role of a broadleaf evergreen groundcover in mild coastal climates. Not suitable for zones below 7, exposed inland sites, or shade.

How to Identify

Distinguished from 'Apple Blossom' and 'Fradesii' by the much smaller size (2–3 feet / 60–90 cm versus 5–10 feet / 1.5–3 m), the smaller leaves, and the mounding (versus upright) habit. Distinguished from 'Red Elf' by the wider, more spreading shape and the rose-pink (versus deep red) flower color. The most compact escallonia—a low, mounding, glossy evergreen with rose-pink flowers—is diagnostic.

Appearance

Size & Dimensions

Height2' - 3'
Width/Spread3' - 4'

Reaches mature size in approximately 3 years

Colors

Flower Colors

pink

Foliage Colors

green

Fall Foliage Colors

no change

Bloom Information

Bloom Period

~9 weeks
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Summer
Short terminal clusters of small, tubular, rose-pink flowers 0.4 inch (1 cm) long from June through August. Flowering is lighter than larger cultivars. Bloom duration is 8–10 weeks.

Detailed Descriptions

Flower Description

Rose-pink to medium pink, small tubular

Foliage Description

Glossy dark green, small oval, dense, evergreen

Growing Conditions

Sun Requirements

Full Sun
Requires 6-10 hours of direct sunlight daily
• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight
• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight
• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight

Soil Requirements

pH Range5.5 - 7.5(Neutral)
357912
Soil Types
loamsand
Drainagewell drained

Water & Climate

Water Needs

Medium

Frost Tolerance

hardy

Time to Maturity

2-3 years

Drought Tolerance

Drought tolerant when established

Care & Maintenance

Care Guide

Plant in full sun in well-drained soil. Tolerates wind and coastal conditions. Hardy to zone 7. The compact habit requires minimal pruning. No serious pest or disease problems in mild climates. May suffer dieback in severe zone 7 winters.

Pruning

Light shearing after flowering (August–September) to maintain compact shape. The naturally dense, mounding habit requires less pruning than larger cultivars. Remove winter-damaged stems in spring.

Pruning Schedule

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summerfall

Maintenance Level

low

Container Growing

✓ Suitable for container growing

Minimum container size: 5 gallons

⚠️ Toxicity Warning

Non-toxic