About
Agapetes serpens 'Scarlet Elf' is a low-growing evergreen shrub characterized by its slender, dark green leaves that are small and pointed. In late winter and spring, it produces vibrant red, urn-shaped flowers measuring around 2 cm, which dangle elegantly from the stems. This plant is well-suited for a conservatory or a frost-free greenhouse, and can also thrive outdoors in a highly protected garden setting.
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
- Habit
- Bushy
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Height
- 0.5-1 metres
- Spread
- 0.5-1 metres
- Time to full height
- 2-5 years
- Suggested uses
- City and courtyard gardens, Sub-tropical
- Toxicity
- Toxic if ingested. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling
Care notes
- Cultivation
- Under glass, grow in ericaceous compost in bright, filtered light. In the growing season water freely and apply a balanced liquid feed monthly. Water sparingly in winter. Outdoors grow in well-drained acidic soil in a very sheltered position in bright, filtered light
- Pruning
- Pruning group 11
- Propagation
- Propagate by taking semi-ripe cuttings in late summer, or by layering in spring
- Pest resistance
- May be susceptible to scale insects
- Disease resistance
- Generally disease-free