Agapetes serpens

RHS Plant Profile
creeping agapetes

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Synonyms

Pentapterygium serpens

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Conservatory Greenhouse Shrubs
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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

Position

Partial shade

Soil Types

Loam, Sand

Max Height

1-1.5 metres

Max Spread

1-1.5 metres

Size

Time to Maturity
2–5 years
Max Spread
1-1.5 metres
Max Height
1-1.5 metres

Growing Conditions

Loam Sand
Moisture
Moist but well–drained
pH
Acid or Neutral

Position

Partial shade
Aspect
East–facing or South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Sheltered
Hardiness

Hardiness Ratings

All ratings refer to the UK growing conditions unless otherwise stated. Minimum temperature ranges (in degrees C) are shown in brackets

  • H1A: under glass all year (>15C)
  • H1B: can be grown outside in the summer (10 - 15)
  • H1C: can be grown outside in the summer (5 - 10)
  • H2: tolerant of low temperatures, but not surviving being frozen (1 to 5)
  • H3: hardy in coastal and relatively mild parts of the UK (-5 to 1)
  • H4: hardy through most of the UK (-10 to -5)
  • H5: hardy in most places throughout the UK even in severe winters (-15 to -10)
  • H6: hardy in all of UK and northern Europe (-20 to -15)
  • H7: hardy in the severest European continental climates (< -20)
H2

Colour & Scent

Season Stem Flower Foliage Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Botanical Details

Family
Ericaceae
Native to GB/Ireland
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