About
Agapetes serpens is an evergreen shrub that can reach heights of up to 90 cm, or more if provided with support. It features small, dark green leaves and produces urn-shaped red flowers, approximately 2 cm in length, adorned with darker veining. These flowers typically hang beneath the stems and appear during late winter and spring.
About the genus
Agapetes encompasses both upright and sprawling forms, primarily consisting of evergreen shrubs. These plants feature simple, leathery leaves arranged oppositely. Their flowers, which can appear singly or in clusters, are bell-shaped, tubular, or urn-like and possess five short lobes.
Growing conditions
- Sunlight
- Partial shade
- Soil type
- Loam, Sand
- Soil pH
- Acid, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Moist but well-drained
- Aspect
- East-facing, South-facing, West-facing
- Exposure
- Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H2
Plant details
- Plant type
- Conservatory Greenhouse, Shrubs
- Habit
- Bushy
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Height
- 1-1.5 metres
- Spread
- 1-1.5 metres
- Time to full height
- 2-5 years
- Suggested uses
- Patio and container plants
- Native to
- Himalaya
- Toxicity
- Toxic if ingested. Wear gloves and wash hands after handling
Care notes
- Cultivation
- Under glass, grow in frost-free conditions in moist, but well-drained ericaceous soil in partial shade. Water freely during the growing period, more sparingly in winter
- Pruning
- Pruning group 11, but best to keep pruning to a minimum
- Propagation
- Take semi-ripe ripe cuttings in late summer, or propagate by layering stems in late spring
- Pest resistance
- scale insects can be a problem
- Disease resistance
- Generally disease-free