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Conservatory GreenhouseShrubs

Agapetes serpens
  • RHS AGM

creeping agapetes

A lax evergreen shrub to 90cm, or taller if supported, with small dark green leaves and urn-shaped red flowers 2cm long, with darker veining, hanging beneath the stems in late winter and spring

Synonyms
Pentapterygium serpens
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Size
Ultimate height
1–1.5 metres
Time to ultimate height
2–5 years
Ultimate spread
1–1.5 metres
Growing conditions
Loam
Sand
Moisture
Moist but well–drained
pH
Acid, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring Red
Summer
Autumn
Winter Red
Position
  • Partial shade
Aspect

East–facing or South–facing or West–facing

Exposure
Sheltered
Hardiness
H2
Botanical details
Family
Ericaceae
Native to the UK
No
Foliage
Evergreen
Habit
Bushy
Potentially harmful
Toxic if ingested. Wear gloves and wash hands after handling
Genus

Agapetes can be upright or scrambling, usually evergreen shrubs with simple, leathery, opposite leaves and solitary or clustered, bell-shaped, tubular or urn-shaped flowers with 5 short lobes

Name status

Correct

Plant range
Himalaya

How to grow

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

Propagation

Take semi-ripe ripe cuttings in late summer, or propagate by layering stems in late spring

Suggested planting locations and garden types
  • Patio and container plants
  • Wall side borders
Pruning

Pruning group 11, but best to keep pruning to a minimum

Pests

scale insects can be a problem

Diseases

Generally disease-free

Get involved

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