Escallonia × exoniensis 'Pink Princess' (Escallonia)

Escallonia × exoniensis is a robust hybrid escallonia with upright, arching branches clothed in glossy, dark green leaves. The 'Pink Princess' selection produces abundant clusters of pink flowers from late spring through autumn in a display that bridges the gap between spring bloomers and the shorter-season perennials in the border. The flowers are small individually but produced in such quantities that the effect is generous and cheerful over a very long season.

This is an excellent coastal shrub. Escallonias as a group are among the most reliably salt-tolerant flowering shrubs available for Oregon coast gardens, and × exoniensis brings good size and vigor to that package. Use it as a screen, a windbreak hedge, or a large specimen where its arching form can be appreciated. It blends particularly well with other coastal performers like escallonia relatives, hebes, and pittosporum.

Plant in well-drained soil with good drainage, particularly important on our heavier coastal soils. Prune after the main flush of bloom if shaping is needed, removing older stems at the base to encourage fresh growth from the center of the plant. Once established, it is tough, long-lived, and requires little attention beyond occasional shaping. The flowers draw bees steadily through the blooming season.