Agapetes serpens 'Scarlet Elf'
creeping agapetes 'Scarlet Elf'
A lax, evergreen shrub with small, pointed, dark green leaves and bright red, urn-shaped flowers 2cm long, hanging beneath the stems in late winter and spring. An unusual shrub for a conservatory or frost-free greenhouse, or outdoors in a very sheltered garden
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Size
Ultimate height
0.5–1 metresTime to ultimate height
2–5 yearsUltimate spread
0.5–1 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drainedpH
Acid, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Red | Green | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Green | |||
| Autumn | Green | |||
| Winter | Green |
Position
- Partial shade
Aspect
East–facing or South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Sheltered Hardiness
H2Botanical details
- Family
- Ericaceae
- Native to the UK
- No
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Habit
- Bushy
- Potentially harmful
- Toxic if ingested. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when 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
Unresolved
How to grow
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
Propagation
Propagate by taking semi-ripe cuttings in late summer, or by layering in spring
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- City and courtyard gardens
- Sub-tropical
- Conservatory and greenhouse
Pruning
Pests
May be susceptible to scale insects
Diseases
Generally disease-free
Get involved
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