Red Dream Escallonia Escallonia punctata 'Red Dream'

Water

The Red Dream Escallonia should be watered deeply to ensure the soil is moistened down to the roots, about once a week during active growth periods in spring and summer. Reduce frequency to every two to three weeks in the fall and only when needed in the winter, as overwatering can lead to root rot. Depending on weather conditions and soil drainage, approximately 2 gallons per plant per watering session should suffice, ensuring soil is thoroughly damp but not waterlogged. Monitor the soil moisture level between waterings and adjust as necessary, especially during hot or dry spells.

Light

Red Dream Escallonia thrives in full sun to partial shade. It prefers a spot that receives at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily, but can also perform well with light afternoon dappled shade. Avoid deep shade as it can lead to reduced flowering and leggy growth. A south or west-facing position is ideal for providing the optimal light conditions for robust growth and vibrant blooms.

Temperature

The ideal temperature range for Red Dream Escallonia is between 50°F and 75°F. It can tolerate some variation outside of this range, with a minimum survivable temperature of approximately 15°F for shorter periods. It’s important to protect the plant from harsh winter winds and extreme cold, as temperatures below 15°F may damage or kill the plant.

Pruning

Prune the Red Dream Escallonia to maintain its shape and encourage bushier growth, as well as to remove any dead or damaged branches. The best time to prune is in late winter or early spring before new growth starts. Light trimming can also be done after the plant has flowered to remove spent blooms and stimulate a second flush of flowers. Pruning once a year is typically sufficient unless shaping is required throughout the growing season.

Cleaning

As needed

Soil

The Escallonia 'Red Dream' prefers well-drained soil with a mixture of loam, peat, and sharp sand for good drainage. The ideal soil pH for this plant is slightly acidic to neutral, around pH 6.0 to 7.0. A balanced, slow-release fertilizer can be mixed into the soil to encourage healthy growth.

Repotting

Escallonia 'Red Dream' should be repotted every 2-3 years or when the plant has outgrown its current pot. It's best to repot in the spring before the growing season begins, ensuring minimal stress on the plant.

Humidity & Misting

The Escallonia 'Red Dream' is tolerant of a wide range of humidity levels, but it does best in conditions where the humidity is moderate. It doesn't require high humidity to thrive.

Suitable locations

• Indoor

  Provide bright, indirect light and room to grow.

• Outdoor

  Plant in full sun to partial shade, protect from harsh winds.

• Hardiness zone

  8-10 USDA

Life cycle

Escallonia 'Red Dream' begins its life cycle with seed germination, which requires a warm temperature and moist soil conditions. After germination, the seedling stage follows, where the plant grows its first set of true leaves and develops a root system. As it enters the vegetative stage, 'Red Dream' focuses on leaf and stem growth, expanding its foliage and increasing in size and strength. The plant then transitions to the flowering stage, where it develops buds that bloom into its characteristic red flowers, typically attracting pollinators. After pollination, if it occurs, the flowers may develop into fruits containing seeds, allowing the cycle to begin anew with seed dispersal. Over time, Escallonia 'Red Dream' reaches maturity, and with proper care, it can enter a period of maintenance where it continues to grow and bloom annually.

Propogation

• Propogation time

  Spring-Early Summer

• Escallonia 'Red Dream', commonly known for its decorative flowers and attractive foliage, is generally propagated through semi-hardwood cuttings. The most popular time to take these cuttings is in late summer to early fall, when the plant's growth begins to slow and stems become semi-ripe. To propagate, a gardener should select healthy, non-flowering shoots and take cuttings about 4 to 6 inches (10 to 15 cm) long. Each cutting should have several leaves left at the top and all the lower leaves removed. The cut end of the stem is then dipped in rooting hormone to encourage root development and planted in a well-draining potting mix or a mix of peat and perlite. These cuttings should be kept in a warm, humid environment, such as inside a propagator or under a plastic cover, to maintain moisture without becoming waterlogged. With proper care, roots will develop in a few weeks, after which the new plants can be gradually acclimatized to ambient conditions and eventually transplanted to their permanent locations.