About Escallonia rubra (Ruiz & Pav.) Pers.
Escallonia rubra (Ruiz & Pav.) Pers. is a spreading evergreen shrub that typically grows 0.8 to 1.0 meters tall, though it can reach heights of up to 3.6 meters. It has glossy, elliptical, serrate leaves: the upper leaf surface is glossy and dark green, while the lower leaf surface is much lighter in color. Young bark of this species is red and covered in rough hairs; over time it turns brown and dotted, and eventually becomes gray and cracked. Its buds are scattered, oval, and have finely serrated edges along the outer half. In its first years of growth, Escallonia rubra has a stringy, somewhat weak root system. As it matures, strong main roots develop that grow close to the surface of the ground. In the Northern Hemisphere, this species produces pink to crimson trumpet-shaped flowers between July and October. The prominent maroon to red hypanthia are bell-shaped with pointed tips, which gives the plant its common name redclaws. Flowers grow in short clusters emerging from leaf axils, and petals are fused into a short tube. Fruits of Escallonia rubra are capsules. Escallonia rubra is cultivated as a garden plant and for hedging. It has become naturalized in western Europe, Oregon in the United States, and New Zealand, where it is considered invasive in some locations. It is also grown in many other areas including Australia. Its cultivar 'Crimson Spire' has received the Royal Horticultural Society's Award of Garden Merit.
