The White Escallonia.
A long-standing favourite in Australian gardens, Escallonia bifida has earned its place as a tough and reliable evergreen shrub.
It has gone by a few different names over the years—including Escallonia montevidensis and Escallonia ‘Iveyi’—but regardless of the label, it remains the same useful, easy-care plant.
With glossy green foliage and masses of white flowers through summer, it provides year-round structure with a seasonal burst of colour.
Quick Reference
- Botanical Name – Escallonia bifida
- Common Name – White Escallonia
- Height – 3–6 m
- Spread – Around 3 m
- Growth Rate – Fast
- Position – Full sun to part shade
- Soil – Well-drained, humus-rich
- Water Requirements – Moderate
- Foliage – Evergreen, glossy green
- Flowers – White, summer flowering
Flowers and Foliage
The foliage is a rich, glossy green, forming a dense backdrop that works well in both formal and informal plantings.
In summer, the plant produces sprays of small white flowers that cover the shrub, creating a soft, cloud-like effect. While not heavily scented, the flowers are attractive to bees and other beneficial insects.
Growth Habit and Size
Escallonia bifida is a fast-growing shrub that can be trained as a large shrub or small tree.
- Height – Typically 3–6 metres (often around 3 m in average conditions)
- Spread – Around 3 metres
Growth rate and ultimate size will depend on soil quality, climate, and pruning.
Growing Conditions and Care
This is a hardy and adaptable plant that performs well in a range of conditions.
Soil
Prefers well-drained, humus-rich soil.
Light
Full sun to part shade. Best flowering occurs in a sunny position.
Watering
Water regularly during establishment. Once established, allow soil to partially dry between waterings, but provide extra water during extended dry periods.
Mulching
Apply mulch to maintain a cool, moist root run and improve soil condition.
Feeding
Use a slow-release fertiliser in spring to support healthy growth and flowering.
Climate
Performs well in coastal conditions and tolerates wind and salt spray.
Pruning
Prune immediately after flowering to maintain shape and encourage dense growth.
Regular pruning will also help keep the plant at a manageable size, particularly when used as a hedge.
Hedging Tip
When used as a hedge, regular light trimming will keep it dense and encourage more compact growth.
Landscaping Uses
Versatile and easy to manage, Escallonia bifida can be used in a range of ways:
- Evergreen screening or hedging
- Background planting in borders
- Coastal gardens
- Informal hedges or windbreaks
As a hedge, it responds well to pruning—though keeping it to around 2–3 metres will make maintenance easier.
Wind Tolerance Note
It’s particularly useful in exposed or coastal gardens, where it handles wind and salt far better than many other hedging plants.