Overview
Escallonia 'Red Knight' is a bushy, spreading branched shrubs in the genus Escallonia, part of the Escalloniaceae family, with evergreen foliage. Escallonia 'Red Knight' grows best in full sun, and tolerates most soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H4. Suggested uses include coastal gardens, hedging, wildlife gardens, flower borders and beds and wall side borders.
About
Escallonia 'Red Knight' is a cultivar of the Escallonia genus, which comprises evergreen shrubs with shiny, leathery leaves that may have toothed margins. This bushy, spreading branched shrub thrives in full sun and prefers a sheltered position with fertile, well-drained soil. It is hardy to UK zone H4 and is suitable for a range of soil types and pH levels. 'Red Knight' is valued in spring and summer for its clusters of red, five-petalled flowers, making it an excellent choice for coastal gardens, hedging, wildlife gardens, and flower borders.
About the genus
Escallonia is a genus of shrubs and trees in the family Escalloniaceae. They are native to North and South America.
Wikipedia contributors, "Escallonia", CC BY-SA 4.0 — Escallonia
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Escallonia
- Sunlight
- Full sun
- Soil type
- Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
- Soil pH
- Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Moist but well-drained, Well-drained
- Aspect
- South-facing, West-facing
- Exposure
- Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H4
Plant details
Escallonia 'Red Knight' size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Shrubs
- Habit
- Bushy, Spreading branched
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Suggested uses
- Coastal gardens, Hedging, Wildlife gardens, Flower borders and beds, Wall side borders
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Escallonia 'Red Knight'
- Propagation
- Softwood cuttings in early summer, Semi-ripe cuttings in late summer, Hardwood cuttings from late autumn to winter
- Pest resistance
- Scale insects
- Disease resistance
- Escallonia leaf spot, Honey fungus
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to plant Escallonia 'Red Knight'?
Escallonia 'Red Knight' prefers full sun. It suits sheltered positions.
What soil does Escallonia 'Red Knight' need?
Escallonia 'Red Knight' is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including chalk, clay, loam and sand. It is happy in soil of any pH. Aim for soil that stays moist but well-drained to well-drained.
Is Escallonia 'Red Knight' hardy in the UK?
Escallonia 'Red Knight' has an RHS hardiness rating of H4, meaning it is hardy through an average UK winter, tolerating -10 to -5°C.
How do I propagate Escallonia 'Red Knight'?
Softwood cuttings in early summer, Semi-ripe cuttings in late summer, Hardwood cuttings from late autumn to winter.