Golden Carpet Escallonia Escallonia Golden Carpet = 'Alcaura' (PBR)

Water

Golden Carpet Escallonia should be watered deeply to ensure the root system receives adequate moisture. Watering should be done when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch; as a general rule, this might be once a week during hotter periods and less frequently during cooler months. Each watering session should provide the plant with about 1-2 gallons of water, depending on its size and the weather conditions. Avoid overwatering, as this plant does not like to sit in wet soil, which can lead to root rot. During winter, water sparingly, only making sure the root ball does not completely dry out.

Light

Golden Carpet Escallonia thrives in full sun to partial shade. It prefers a location where it can receive at least six hours of direct sunlight daily. Avoid placing it in deep shade, as this can affect its growth and flowering potential. The ideal spot would be one that gets plenty of morning sunlight with some afternoon shade to protect it from the intense heat of the day.

Temperature

Golden Carpet Escallonia performs best in temperate climates, with ideal temperatures ranging between 50°F and 75°F. It can usually tolerate a brief frost, but persistent cold below 20°F may damage the plant. Consistent temperatures within these ranges foster the healthiest growth and blooming.

Pruning

Pruning Golden Carpet Escallonia is necessary to maintain shape and to promote healthy, vigorous growth and flowering. Light pruning can be done in the spring or after the flowering season to remove any dead or damaged branches and to shape the plant. It is best to prune immediately after flowering has finished to ensure the plant has time to set buds for the next season.

Cleaning

As needed

Soil

Escallonia 'Golden Carpet' thrives in well-draining soil enriched with organic matter. A soil mix with equal parts garden soil, compost, and perlite or sand is ideal. This plant prefers a slightly acidic to neutral pH, ideally between 6.0 and 7.0.

Repotting

Escallonia 'Golden Carpet' should be repotted every 2 to 3 years to refresh the soil and accommodate root growth. Repot in spring before the growing season starts for optimal results.

Humidity & Misting

Escallonia 'Golden Carpet' prefers moderate humidity conditions but is quite adaptable. It is tolerant of both coastal and inland climates as long as the air isn't excessively dry.

Suitable locations

• Indoor

  Grow in bright, indirect light and well-drained soil.

• Outdoor

  Plant in sunny spot with well-drained soil, protect from strong winds.

• Hardiness zone

  7-10 USDA

Life cycle

The life of an Escallonia Golden Carpet ('Alcaura') begins with germination, where the seeds sprout under the right conditions of warmth and moisture. The seedlings then develop into juvenile plants with leaf growth and establishment of a root system. As it matures, the plant enters a vegetative stage marked by the expansion of foliage and branches, forming a low-growing, evergreen shrub with golden-yellow leaves. The reproductive stage follows, where clusters of pink, tubular flowers bloom, typically in the summer months. After pollination, the plant sets seed, which can be dispersed for new plant growth. Finally, the plant eventually reaches the end of its life cycle, which can take many years, ending with senescence where growth slows and the plant may die back, completing the cycle.

Propogation

• Propogation time

  Spring-Early Summer

• The Escallonia 'Golden Carpet' is commonly propagated through semi-hardwood cuttings. This method involves taking cuttings from the plant during the active growth season, typically late summer to early fall. A cutting about 4 to 6 inches (10 to 15 cm) long is snipped just below a leaf node, where there is a concentration of hormones to stimulate root growth. The lower leaves are removed, and the cut end can be dipped in rooting hormone to encourage root development. Afterward, the cutting is planted in a well-draining soil mix, kept moist, and covered with a plastic bag or placed in a propagator to maintain humidity. Roots usually form within a few weeks, after which the new plant can be gradually acclimated to normal conditions and eventually planted out.