Escallonia Darts Rosy Red

An original bush, native to South America, the Escallonia Dart's Rosy Red produces rich carmine pink flowers in the heart of summer.

A vigorous shrub with numerous arched branches, the Escallonia 'Dart's Rosy Red' forms a dense bush, with a rounded habit, as tall as wide, measuring 2m (6 ft 7 in) to 2.50m.

Its carmine-pink flowers, in the shape of a semi-open tube, bloom from the beginning of summer. Its small and ovate leaves measure 3-4cm (1.2-1.6 in) in length and 1 to 2cm (0.4 to 0.8 in) in width. They are evergreen and shiny, dark green.

Originating from the Andes mountain range, the escallonia is hardy down to -10C°, beyond that, it will need to be planted in a sheltered location, against a south-facing wall or protected by a hedge to the south or west. It is easy to grow and likes cool, well-drained, and rich soil. Easily placed, it can be planted in the back of a flower bed or on a terrace. It is often used as a privacy hedge in temperate regions,

It requires very little maintenance: a simple pruning with shears just after flowering will be necessary to maintain its compact habit, older plants can be pruned more heavily at the end of winter when there is no longer any risk of frost.