Family: Escalloniaceae

Native to New Zealand, these hardy, evergreen shrubs have clusters of small, star-shaped, sweetly perfumed, yellow flowers, followed by yellow or red berries. Tolerant of exposed conditions and severe cold, they are mostly grown as coastal hedge plants and low groundcovers, although they also make attractive garden shrubs.

Species

C. x virgata 'Cheesemanii', from species C. buddlejoides and C. cotoneaster, grows to 3 m (10 ft) and is an excellent seaside shrub. It has terminal clusters of yellow, starry flowers and oval, red fruits in autumn.

C. x virgata 'Red Wonder' has attractive, red berries in winter while 'Yellow Wonder' has yellow berries.

C. cotoneaster, wire netting hush, to 2.5 m (8 ft), is a rounded, sparsely foliaged shrub, with twiggy branches. The bright yellow, starry flowers are borne in clusters and followed by orange or red berries. This extremely hardy shrub is salt- and frost-resistant, and can be clipped into a hedge.

C. macrocarpa, to 6 m (20 ft), has whitish branches and leaves, yellow flowers and red berries in winter.

Cultivation

These shrubs will put up with almost any conditions, including heavy shade, but are slow growing. Propagate from cuttings or from the abundant seed.

Climate

Zone 8.