Escallonia | |
---|---|
Escallonia virgata | |
Scientific classification | |
Kingdom: | Plantae |
Clade: | Tracheophytes |
Clade: | Angiosperms |
Clade: | Eudicots |
Clade: | Asterids |
Order: | Escalloniales |
Family: | Escalloniaceae |
Genus: |
Escallonia Mutis ex L.f. |
Species | |
See text |
Escallonia is a genus of shrubs and trees in the family Escalloniaceae. They are native to North and South America. [1]
Currently valid species in Escallonia are: [2]
Widely cultivated and commonly used as hedging plants, especially in coastal areas, Escallonias grow about 30 cm (12 in) per year, reaching 1.5–3 m (5–10 ft) in height, with arching branches of small, oval, glossy green leaves. Flowering from June to October (in the Northern Hemisphere), they have masses of small pink, white or crimson flowers, sometimes with a honey fragrance. They are best grown in full sun with some shelter. Some varieties are not fully hardy in all areas. [3] Numerous cultivars and hybrids have been developed, of which the following have gained the Royal Horticultural Society's Award of Garden Merit: [4]