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Escallonia x rigida
Escallonia Hybrid
Hybrid of garden origin; parent species native to South America (Chile, Argentina, Brazil)
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Overview
Escallonia × rigida is an escallonia hybrid, an evergreen shrub growing 60–96 inches (150–240 cm) tall and 48–72 inches (120–180 cm) wide. Pink to rose-red (or white) tubular to bell-shaped flowers 0.3–0.5 inch (8–12 mm) in terminal panicles from late spring through midsummer, with sporadic reblooming into fall. Dark green glossy small oval leaves 0.5–1.5 inches (12–38 mm) — aromatic when crushed (a resinous honey-like scent). In the family Escalloniaceae. A group of garden hybrids derived from South American Escallonia species — the parent species are native to Chile, Argentina, and Brazil. Tolerates coastal salt spray and wind — one of the primary hedging and screening shrubs for exposed coastal gardens in the Pacific Northwest and coastal California. Hummingbird-visited. Damaged below 15°F (−9°C) — suited to zones 7–10; in zone 7, plant in a sheltered south- or west-facing position. Popular cultivars: 'Apple Blossom' (pink and white bicolor), 'Crimson Spire' (deep red, narrow upright habit), 'Fradesii' (rose-pink). Prune after the main flowering flush in midsummer — flower buds form on new growth. Drought-tolerant once established. Non-toxic. Deer-resistant. Full sun (5+ hours). Zones 7–10. Growth rate is fast.
Native Range
Hybrid of garden origin — parent species native to South America (Chile, Argentina, Brazil).Suggested Uses
Grown as hedging, screening, and in borders in coastal zones 7–10. The salt-spray and wind tolerance make Escallonia one of the primary coastal hedging shrubs. 'Apple Blossom' for bicolor flowers. Hummingbird-visited. Non-toxic. Deer-resistant.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height5' - 8'
Width/Spread4' - 6'
Reaches mature size in approximately 3 years
Bloom Information
Late spring to midsummer (June–August), lasting 6–8 weeks with sporadic rebloom into fall. Pink to rose-red (or white) tubular flowers in terminal panicles. Hummingbird-visited.Detailed Descriptions
Flower Description
Pink to rose-red (most hybrids); also white; tubular to bell-shaped, 0.3-0.5 inch (8-12 mm), in terminal paniclesFoliage Description
Dark green, glossy, small, oval, 0.5-1.5 inches (12-38 mm), finely toothed, aromatic when crushedGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 5-10 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
Care & Maintenance
Care Guide
Full sun (5+ hours). Tolerates coastal salt spray and wind. Damaged below 15°F (−9°C) — sheltered positions in zone 7. Drought-tolerant once established. Prune after main flush in midsummer. Non-toxic. Deer-resistant. Hummingbird-visited. Zones 7–10.Pruning
Prune after the main flowering flush in midsummer (August). Flower buds form on new growth. Tolerates hard renovation pruning. Suited to formal and informal hedging — clip after flowering.Pruning Schedule
J
F
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A
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summer
Maintenance Level
lowContainer Growing
✓ Suitable for container growing
Minimum container size: 5 gallons