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Escallonia bifida
  • RHS AGM
  • RHS Plants for pollinators

cloven gum box

A bushy, upright evergreen shrub to 3m, with shiny dark green leaves and rounded terminal panicles of pure white flowers with spreading petals, borne in late summer and autumn

Synonyms
Escallonia paniculata misapplied
Escallonia floribunda misapplied
see moreEscallonia montevidensis
Escallonia floribunda var. montevidensis
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Size
Ultimate height
2.5–4 metres
Time to ultimate height
5–10 years
Ultimate spread
1.5–2.5 metres
Growing conditions
Chalk
Clay
Loam
Sand
Moisture
Moist but well–drained, Well–drained
pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring Green
Summer White Green
Autumn White Green
Winter Green
Position
  • Full sun
Aspect

South–facing or East–facing

Exposure
Sheltered
Hardiness
H3
Botanical details
Family
Escalloniaceae
Native to GB / Ireland
No
Foliage
Evergreen
Habit
Bushy
Genus

Escallonia are evergreen shrubs with glossy, leathery, toothed leaves, sometimes sticky, and 5-petalled white, pink or red flowers in terminal racemes or panicles in summer and early autumn

Name status

Correct

Plant range
S America

How to grow

Cultivation

Grow in well-drained soil in full sun in a sheltered location, but in colder areas may require protection from cold drying winds and is best suited to inner city or southern county areas; ideal for wall training

Propagation

Propagate by softwood cuttings in early summer, semi-hardwood cuttings in late summer or hardwood cuttings from late autumn to winter

Suggested planting locations and garden types
  • City and courtyard gardens
  • Coastal
  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Wildlife gardens
  • Mediterranean climate plants
  • Flower borders and beds
  • Wall side borders
Pruning

Pruning group 9

Pests

May be susceptible to scale insect

Diseases

May be susceptible to escallonia leaf spot and honey fungus

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