About

Escallonia laevis 'Gold Ellen' is a compact, evergreen shrub reaching approximately 2 meters in height. Its foliage consists of small, glossy yellow leaves that feature an irregular dark green center. In late summer, it produces clusters of small, dark pink flowers.

About the genus

Escallonia consists of evergreen shrubs characterized by their shiny, leathery leaves that may have a toothed margin and occasionally a sticky texture. In summer and early autumn, these plants produce clusters of 5-petalled flowers, which can be white, pink, or red, arranged in terminal racemes or panicles.

Growing conditions

Sunlight
Full sun, Partial shade
Soil type
Chalk, Loam, Sand
Soil pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moisture
Moist but well-drained, Well-drained
Aspect
South-facing, West-facing, East-facing
Exposure
Sheltered
UK hardiness
H3

Plant details

Plant type
Shrubs
Habit
Bushy
Foliage
Evergreen
Height
1.5-2.5 metres
Spread
1.5-2.5 metres
Time to full height
5-10 years
Suggested uses
City and courtyard gardens, Coastal, Cottage and informal garden

Care notes

Cultivation
Grows best in well-drained soil in full sun with shelter from cold winds
Pruning
Pruning group 9
Propagation
Propagate by softwood cuttings in early summer, semi-ripe cuttings in late summer and hardwood cuttings late autumn to winter
Pest resistance
May be susceptible to scale insects
Disease resistance
May be susceptible to escallonia leaf spot and honey fungus