Escallonia cordobensis is a dense evergreen shrub native to the alpine regions of Argentina, prized for its small glossy leaves and elegant white funnel-shaped flowers that bloom prolifically from June through September. Hardy in zones 8 through 9, this shrub matures to 4 to 7 feet tall and 3 to 4 feet wide, making it substantial enough to anchor a landscape yet manageable in most garden settings. Its five-lobed white flowers appear in loose terminal clusters throughout the summer months, creating a refined accent in borders or hedges. The plant thrives in full sun with moderate moisture and moderate maintenance, adapting well to average, well-drained soils while appreciating afternoon shade during intense heat.
Full Sun
Moderate
8-9
84in H x 48in W
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High
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Native to high-altitude Argentine mountains, Escallonia cordobensis earned its common name cordoba escallonia from its South American origins. The glossy, oval to lanceolate evergreen foliage is dotted with tiny resinous glands that give the leaves a distinctive aromatic quality, and the white flowers bloom in waves throughout the warmest months, creating a long season of interest. This shrub's dense growth habit and proven performance in zones 8 through 9 makes it a reliable hedge plant that requires only moderate maintenance once established.
Escallonia cordobensis is primarily grown as an ornamental shrub for hedging and landscape borders, where its dense evergreen form and extended summer bloom create a structured yet flowering presence. Its hardy nature and moderate maintenance requirements make it well-suited to gardens where a reliable, long-blooming hedge is desired without excessive pruning demands.
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Prune Escallonia cordobensis to maintain a dense, compact form and encourage fuller branching. Light pruning after flowering in late September will help shape the plant and promote denser growth for the following season. Remove any dead or damaged wood as needed throughout the year.
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“The genus Escallonia is named in honor of Senor Escallon, an 18th century Spanish traveler who explored South America. Escallonia cordobensis specifically hails from the alpine regions of Argentina, where it evolved in cooler mountain climates. This species represents one of several Escallonia varieties that have been introduced from South America to temperate gardens worldwide, valued for their evergreen foliage and reliable summer flowering.”