Escallonia illinita, commonly known as Glossy Escallonia, is an evergreen shrub native to the Andes in South America, particularly in Chile and Argentina. It typically grows to a height of 6-10 feet (1.8-3 meters) and a similar width, with a dense, rounded form. The plant is characterized by its glossy, dark green leaves and clusters of small, tubular pink to red flowers that bloom in the summer, providing a showy display that can attract pollinators such as bees and hummingbirds.

Glossy Escallonia is valued for its ornamental features, including its attractive foliage and flowers, as well as its ability to form a dense hedge or screen when planted in groups. It is often used in coastal gardens due to its tolerance of salt spray and is also suitable for urban planting and border planting. This shrub prefers well-drained soils and thrives in full sun to part shade conditions. While it is drought-tolerant once established, it benefits from regular watering during prolonged dry periods. It is generally low-maintenance but can be pruned to shape as desired.CC BY-SA 4.0