The white Escallonias (like many white plant varieties) are less hardy than the pink ones Dewdrops. They don't survive for long up here at all unfortunately. Good air flow helps prevent pests and diseases on slightly susceptible plants. It may just be that it's been a bit crowded by other planting though. You could take off the dead and ropey bits and see if it improves it
l think chicky's suggestion is a good one for your site.
It's a place where beautiful isn't enough of a word....
I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
Thanks everyone! It looks like a Ceanothus will be going in there then!
Fairygirl, I gave it a good chop last summer when I realised a large part of it was dead, and then again when I deadheaded the hydrangeas earlier this spring- no idea when the best time to cut back Escallonia is though. At the time I thought I'd got rid of the branches with the yellow/brown/spotty leaves, but it appears not. I'll continue to persevere with it, and keep pulling out all the weeds that creep under it from next doors jungle
They are quite easy ....so nice big hole, with the sides loosened with a fork, and maybe some blood fish and bone mixed in. If you are going to plant it now, then the most important thing is to give it a bucket of water every week for this summer - after that it should look after itself
If you were wanting some scent you could do worse than a choisya in there - for that spot maybe one with a contrasting foliage to the rest of what you have like sundance or white dazzler.
Does it have to be a shrub? How about some perennials such as hardy geranium macrorhizum underplanted with creamy coloured spring daffs and autumn crocus to extend the season of interest. It has scented foliage that turns red for winter and then pale, medium or purply pink flowers in May/June. Easy to care for. Just pull of tatty foliage with your hands in late winter/early spring.
Sedum spectabile would be good too and great nectar for bees and other insects. Flower heads look good through winter when frosted. Just need to cut back old stems at the beginning of spring to let the new foliage through.
All sorts of other possibilities.
Vendée - 20kms from Atlantic coast.
"The price good men (and women) pay for indifference to public affairs is to be ruled by evil men (and women)."
Posts
The white Escallonias (like many white plant varieties) are less hardy than the pink ones Dewdrops. They don't survive for long up here at all unfortunately. Good air flow helps prevent pests and diseases on slightly susceptible plants. It may just be that it's been a bit crowded by other planting though. You could take off the dead and ropey bits and see if it improves it
l think chicky's suggestion is a good one for your site.
I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
Ceanothus is lovely. Reminds of blue Liquorice Allsorts.
Thanks everyone! It looks like a Ceanothus will be going in there then!
Fairygirl, I gave it a good chop last summer when I realised a large part of it was dead, and then again when I deadheaded the hydrangeas earlier this spring- no idea when the best time to cut back Escallonia is though. At the time I thought I'd got rid of the branches with the yellow/brown/spotty leaves, but it appears not. I'll continue to persevere with it, and keep pulling out all the weeds that creep under it from next doors jungle
if you are going for ceonothus then Pugets Blue or Concha are both good strong dark blue forms
Thank you Chicky, will have a hunt around for those.
Any tips for helping it take root in the soil as best as possible? Or is it just a case of dig a hole and whack it in?
They are quite easy ....so nice big hole, with the sides loosened with a fork, and maybe some blood fish and bone mixed in. If you are going to plant it now, then the most important thing is to give it a bucket of water every week for this summer - after that it should look after itself
If you were wanting some scent you could do worse than a choisya in there - for that spot maybe one with a contrasting foliage to the rest of what you have like sundance or white dazzler.
Good call Andy.I had my first introduction to Aztec Pearl recently and it's delicious. I'm stealing a bit.
Thank you Chicky.
Andy, I did wonder about a Choisya Orange Blossom, so I'll look up your suggestions.
Raining here today, and I'm feeling under the weather, so I won't be rushing to the garden centre yet!
Does it have to be a shrub? How about some perennials such as hardy geranium macrorhizum underplanted with creamy coloured spring daffs and autumn crocus to extend the season of interest. It has scented foliage that turns red for winter and then pale, medium or purply pink flowers in May/June. Easy to care for. Just pull of tatty foliage with your hands in late winter/early spring.
Sedum spectabile would be good too and great nectar for bees and other insects. Flower heads look good through winter when frosted. Just need to cut back old stems at the beginning of spring to let the new foliage through.
All sorts of other possibilities.